Import from China to European Union

The European Union applies the Common External Tariff (CET) to all imports from China. Updated for 2026, our calculators cover all 27 member state VAT rates and the latest anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel, EVs, and solar products.

⚖️ European Commission / National Customs Authorities 💱 Currency: EUR 🧾 Import VAT: 20% 📦 De minimis: €150 for customs duty; VAT applies to all imports

📋 Key Import Fees — China to European Union

✓ EU Customs Duty: 0–12% (Common Customs Tariff, varies by HS code)
✓ Import VAT: 17–27% depending on EU member state (Germany/France 20%, Denmark 25%)
✓ No EU-China FTA — MFN rates under Common External Tariff apply
✓ Anti-dumping duties on many Chinese goods (steel, ceramics, solar, etc.)

Duty Basis

CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)

De Minimis Threshold

€150 for customs duty; VAT applies to all imports

Import Process — China to European Union

EU imports from China require an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number from your national customs authority. Goods enter through any EU port of entry and circulate freely within the EU single market once cleared. A customs agent or freight forwarder handles the customs declaration (Single Administrative Document / SAD).

Free Calculators for European Union Importers

Selected tools for duty, freight, landed cost, and import planning

Eu Customs Duty Calculator China

Use our eu customs duty calculator china to calculate eU customs duty, import VAT, and total landed cost for goods imported from China into the European Union.

China Europe Rail Freight Calculator

Use our china europe rail freight calculator to estimate china-Europe rail freight costs via the Belt and Road Initiative routes. Compare with sea and air freight for European imports.

CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter Calculator for Sea Freight

Use our cbm calculator to calculate cBM (cubic meters) for sea freight shipping from China. Enter carton dimensions and quantity to get total volume, LCL cost estimate, and container fill rate.

Landed Cost Calculator — Total China Import Cost Per Unit

Use our landed cost calculator to calculate the true landed cost per unit for China imports. Includes FOB, freight, insurance, duties, MPF, broker fees, and local delivery in one calculation.

Currency Exchange Impact Calculator Import

Use our currency exchange impact calculator import to calculate how USD/CNY exchange rate changes affect your import costs from China. Model favorable and unfavorable currency movements.

Cargo Insurance Calculator — Marine Freight Insurance Cost

Use our cargo insurance calculator to calculate cargo insurance premium for sea and air freight from China. Standard marine insurance covers CIF value + 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions — Importing from China to European Union

How is EU customs duty calculated on goods from China? +

EU customs duty = CIF value × Common Customs Tariff (CET) rate for your HS code. Import VAT is then calculated as: (CIF value + customs duty) × VAT rate of your member state. For example, in Germany (19% VAT): on a €10,000 CIF shipment with 6.5% duty (€650), Import VAT = (€10,000 + €650) × 19% = €2,023.50.

Does the EU have a de minimis threshold for Chinese imports? +

The EU customs duty de minimis is €150 — goods valued under €150 are exempt from customs duty (but not VAT). Since July 2021, all commercial imports have been subject to VAT regardless of value, eliminating the previous €22 VAT de minimis.

Does the EU have anti-dumping duties on Chinese goods? +

Yes — the EU has one of the world's most active anti-dumping programs. Major categories subject to EU ADD on Chinese goods include steel products, ceramic tiles, solar panels, chemical products, fasteners, and many more. ADD is imposed in addition to standard customs duty. Check the EU Trade Defence Instruments database before importing.

Quick Reference

Customs Authority European Commission / National Customs Authorities

Duty Basis CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)

Import VAT Rate 20%

De Minimis €150 for customs duty; VAT applies to all imports

Currency EUR

Disclaimer: Duty rates and thresholds are for planning only. Verify with the official customs authority and a licensed customs broker before importing.