Importing from China, country by country
What you pay at the border for Chinese solar panels and batteries, and the rules that catch buyers out. Checked in November 2026.
China ended the 9% export VAT rebate on solar panels from 1 April 2026 and cut it for batteries, so FOB prices rose a little for every market.
| Country | Solar panels | Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| United States | About 50% or more | 25% Section 301 on top of the normal duty |
| European Union (Spain, Germany, Italy…) | 0% duty, then VAT | Normal duty for accumulators, then VAT |
| India | 20% BCD + 20% AIDC, then GST | Check the HS code with your broker |
| Brazil | 25% (9.6% inside the quota for large plants) | 20% for BESS |
| South Africa | 10% duty, then 15% VAT | Higher tariffs on accumulators have been proposed |
| Pakistan | 10% sales tax on imported panels and parts | Check the HS code with your broker |
| Nigeria | 0% under ECOWAS CET, but check the new import adjustment tax | About 20% |
| Mexico | Check the 2026 tariff changes for your HS code | Check the 2026 tariff changes for your HS code |
| Indonesia | Check the duty for your HS code; local-content rules apply to state projects | Check the HS code with your broker |
| Australia | No solar-specific duty, then 10% GST | No solar-specific duty, then 10% GST |
Rates change often. Use this to plan, then confirm the duty for your exact HS code with a customs broker before you pay a deposit. This is not legal or tax advice.