Brazil EV Tariff 2026: Why CKD Wins

Key takeaway: For importers targeting Latin America's biggest market, Brazil's 2026 tariff schedule is the real gate, not ocean freight: BEV and PHEV tariffs hit 35% on July 1, level with combustion cars, while CKD completely-knocked-down kits still enjoy a 14% rate through end-2026 and only rise to 35% in January 2027. Read that timeline to lock cost before the rise.

Brazil's CAMEX executive committee restored from July 1 a six-month duty-free quota for EV imports worth USD 463 million, covering CKD and semi-knocked-down SKD kits; beyond quota, SKD is taxed at 35% and CKD stays at 14%. CBU fully-built imports get no quota but face the same 35%, so the kit path is clearly cheaper inside the window.

Run the numbers: a 20,000 USD CBU EV pays 7,000 USD at 35%; via CKD inside the window it is only 14%, saving about 4,200 USD, or 1.26 million USD on a 300-unit order. The quota is first-come; the 463 million pool drains on schedule, and late entry may miss the duty-free share entirely, paying tariff for nothing.

Impact lands in two layers. First, timing: from Jan 2027 CKD also reaches 35%, so the second-half 2026 14% window is the last low-cost kit period.

Do three things: confirm with the factory whether CKD/SKD kits can ship and claim quota before end-2026; write tariff sharing and arrival timing into the contract; pre-clear by model list 90 days before arrival. Make the 35% timeline and 463M quota a pre-order item; do not wait until 2027 to regret missing the window.

What certifications are required to import used cars from China?
Requirements vary by destination (e.g. EAEU needs SBKTS/OTTC, GCC for the Middle East). EZ Auto handles compliant documents and certification per the destination customs, confirming clearance before shipment to avoid port hold-ups.

What recent policy changes affect Chinese vehicle exports?
EV subsidies are phasing out while export licensing and shipping capacity fluctuate. EZ Auto tracks destination tariffs and certification changes and updates them in the News section for procurement decisions.

Can an individual buy a car directly from China for export?
Possible, but with document and customs hurdles. Most buyers order through a licensed exporter like EZ Auto, which handles the contract, export declaration and destination paperwork; you only handle pickup and local registration.

What export documents are needed for used cars?
Core documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, export customs declaration, bill of lading and the destination's import clearance papers. EZ Auto prepares the full set before shipment to ensure smooth clearance abroad and avoid demurrage.

Do destination countries limit the age of imported vehicles?
New cars are mostly unrestricted; used cars often face an age cap (e.g. some Middle East and Africa markets require within 5-8 years). EZ Auto checks the destination's age rule before shipping and screens out non-compliant units to avoid rejection at port.

This article is published by EZ Auto. EZ Auto (Cheyixing Automobile Import & Export) specializes in exporting Chinese vehicles — new, used and parts — serving Latin America, Central Asia & CIS, Africa, the Middle East and the EU, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.