EU’s New Import Rules for New Energy Vehicles
欧盟新能源车进口新规解析
1. Background 背景
In October 2024, the European Union introduced new import rules for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China under Regulation (EU) 2024/2754. The regulation is part of a broader strategy to protect the EU automotive industry amid growing competition from Chinese manufacturers. It imposes countervailing duties on Chinese-made EVs to offset what the EU considers unfair state subsidies that give these vehicles a price advantage in the European market.
This move follows a year-long investigation launched by the European Commission, which found evidence of direct and indirect government support in the form of low-interest loans, tax incentives, and subsidized raw materials. The policy also reflects the EU’s goal to ensure fair competition and strengthen its domestic EV production capacity.
2024年10月，欧盟依据《法规 (EU) 2024/2754》正式对来自中国的电池电动车（BEV）实施新的进口管理规定。该政策是欧盟为应对中国电动车企业竞争压力、保护本地汽车产业而采取的更广泛战略的一部分。新规通过征收反补贴税，以抵消欧盟认为来自中国政府的不公平补贴，使中国产电动车在欧洲市场中获得的价格优势。
这一决定源于欧盟委员会为期一年的调查，调查结果显示中国车企获得了包括低息贷款、税收优惠以及原材料补贴等形式的政府支持。欧盟表示，此举旨在维护公平竞争环境，并推动欧盟本土新能源汽车制造业的发展与自主能力建设。
2. Tariff Rates and Coverage 税率与适用范围
The new duties apply to all battery electric vehicles designed to carry up to nine passengers, covering both passenger and light commercial categories. In addition to the existing 10% base import duty, countervailing tariffs ranging from 7% to 35% have been introduced, depending on the manufacturer’s level of subsidy and cooperation in the EU investigation. In some cases, the total duty rate can reach nearly 45%.
For example, BYD faces an estimated 17.4% duty, Geely 18.8%, and Tesla vehicles produced in China around 7.8%. These rates are subject to adjustment if further negotiations between the EU and China take place.
The European Commission also clarified that these tariffs are provisional and may become permanent depending on the results of further review and the industry’s response within six months.
新规适用于所有可载九人以内的电池电动车，包括乘用车及轻型商用车。在原有10%的基础进口关税之外，欧盟依据企业补贴水平及在调查中的配合程度，额外征收7%至35%的反补贴税，总税率最高可达约45%。
例如，比亚迪需缴纳约17.4%的关税，吉利约18.8%，而在中国生产的特斯拉车辆约为7.8%。这些税率未来仍可能根据欧中双方的进一步谈判结果进行调整。
欧盟委员会同时指出，目前的关税为“临时性措施”，将在六个月内根据市场反馈与后续评估，决定是否转为长期政策。
3. Technical & Regulatory Requirements 技术与法规要求
Beyond the tariff measures, imported electric vehicles must comply with the European Union’s stringent safety, environmental, and performance standards. All BEVs entering the EU market are required to meet UNECE type-approval regulations, which cover crash safety, battery performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and software cybersecurity.
In addition, the new EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) — effective from 2025 — introduces traceability and sustainability requirements. It mandates that all traction batteries used in imported EVs include a “battery passport,” detailing material sources, carbon footprint, and recycling capacity. Manufacturers must also ensure due diligence in their supply chains, particularly regarding raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
除关税措施外，进口电动车还必须符合欧盟严格的安全、环保及性能标准。所有进入欧盟市场的BEV须通过UNECE型式认证，包括碰撞安全、电池性能、电磁兼容及软件网络安全等方面的检测。
此外，自2025年起正式实施的《欧盟电池法规》（Regulation (EU) 2023/1542）对电池的可追溯性与可持续性提出了新要求。法规规定，所有用于进口电动车的动力电池必须配备“电池护照”，详细说明材料来源、碳足迹及回收能力。制造商还需在供应链管理中履行尽职调查，尤其是锂、钴、镍等关键原材料的来源。
4. Import Procedures 通关与认证流程
To comply with the new import rules, importers must present a comprehensive documentation package to EU customs authorities. This includes the Single Administrative Document (SAD), certificate of origin, conformity assessment reports, and environmental compliance certificates.
Customs inspections will pay special attention to the declared origin of battery components and the transparency of any subsidies received. Non-compliance may lead to shipment delays, fines, or rejection at the port of entry.
To facilitate trade, some Chinese automakers are now seeking EU Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, which can speed up customs clearance and demonstrate reliability in supply chain management.
根据新规要求，进口商需向欧盟海关提交完整的文件材料包，包括统一行政单（SAD）、原产地证明、合格评定报告以及环保合规证书。
海关审查将重点关注电池组件的实际原产地及企业所获补贴的透明度。如若不符合要求，货物可能面临延迟、罚款或被拒绝入境的风险。
为简化流程、降低风险，一些中国车企正积极申请欧盟AEO（认证经营者）资质，以获得更快捷的清关便利与供应链信誉认证。
5. Impact on Chinese Exporters 对中国出口商的影响
The new EU policy poses both challenges and opportunities for Chinese EV exporters. While increased tariffs raise costs and reduce short-term competitiveness, they also encourage Chinese automakers to localize production, establish assembly plants, or form joint ventures within Europe.
Leading brands like BYD and SAIC have already announced plans to expand their European presence, focusing on localized supply chains and after-sales networks. Smaller manufacturers, however, may face greater pressure due to higher compliance costs and stricter documentation requirements.
Overall, the policy is expected to reshape trade patterns, shifting part of China’s EV export capacity toward European investment and local manufacturing.
欧盟新政策对中国电动车出口商而言既是挑战也是机遇。虽然关税上升将增加成本、削弱短期竞争力，但同时也促使中国车企加快欧洲本地化布局，建立装配厂或与当地企业合资合作。
目前，比亚迪、上汽等龙头企业已宣布扩大在欧洲的投资，重点建设本地供应链及售后服务体系。而中小制造商则因合规成本增加及文件要求严格，面临更大压力。
总体来看，该政策将重塑中欧电动车贸易格局，使部分中国产能逐步转向欧洲本地投资与生产。
6. Strategic Outlook 战略展望
In the medium to long term, the EU’s import reform is likely to foster a more balanced electric vehicle ecosystem. While short-term imports from China may slow, the trend toward collaboration — such as European R&D centers, localized battery production, and technology licensing — is expected to accelerate.
For Chinese automakers, success in the EU market will depend on three pillars: compliance, branding, and partnership. Transparent reporting, strong sustainability credentials, and alignment with EU environmental goals will be crucial in maintaining market access and brand reputation.
从中长期来看，欧盟进口新政将促成一个更平衡的电动车市场生态。尽管短期内中国电动车进口量可能下降，但中欧在研发、当地电池生产及技术授权等方面的合作趋势将加快。
对于中国车企而言，赢得欧盟市场的关键在于“三个核心要素”：合规、品牌与合作。透明的报告体系、良好的可持续发展表现及与欧盟环保目标保持一致，将成为维持市场准入与品牌信誉的关键。
