Canada Issues 24,500 EV Import Permits for Chinese Cars
Canada has introduced a new permit system allowing Chinese-built electric vehicles to enter the market again under revised trade rules. The government has released 24,500 import permits in the first phase of the new policy, which forms part of a broader agreement aimed at restoring EV imports while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Canada Introduces New EV Import Quota
Under the new framework, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles to be imported annually. The move replaces the 100 percent surtax introduced in October 2024 with a significantly lower tariff of 6.1 percent.
The first 24,500 permits are available between March 1 and August 31, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. A second batch of permits will be issued starting September 1 for the remainder of the year.
Automakers Likely to Benefit
Manufacturers already exporting China-built electric vehicles to Canada are expected to secure early permits. These include global automakers that previously supplied vehicles from Chinese factories to the Canadian market.
However, vehicles built in China will not qualify for Canada’s federal EV incentive program, which offers rebates of up to CA$5,000. In addition, at least half of all imported vehicles must be priced below CA$35,000 in order to support EV affordability in the country.
The policy could reshape Canada’s electric vehicle market as global manufacturers and Chinese brands compete for a share of the new import quota.
