Import a Car from China to Ireland

Importing from China to Ireland

Chinese-built cars attract 10% customs duty. VRT and 23% VAT apply on top.

The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with China is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in CNY). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.

Step-by-step China import process

• Buy the vehicle and obtain the registration document and proof of purchase.
• Arrange shipping/transport to Ireland.
• Clear customs and pay any duty (10%) and Irish VAT at 23%.
• Book a VRT appointment and present the Certificate of Conformity with CO2 and NOx data.
• Revenue assesses OMSP, charges VRT, and you receive Irish plates.

China Import Cost Example

For a car with an Irish OMSP of EUR 40,000 and CO2 of 140g/km (20% band), the VRT would be EUR 8,000 before age depreciation. Add customs duty of 10% on the value and 23% Irish VAT on the combined figure. Use the calculator above to model your specific vehicle.

Chinese Cars Entering the Irish Market

China's automotive industry has exploded in recent years, with brands like BYD, MG (now owned by SAIC), NIO, and XPeng producing electric and hybrid vehicles that compete directly with European models. The MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 are already sold in Ireland through official dealers, but importing directly from China can sometimes offer a lower price — particularly for newer models not yet available through Irish showrooms.

Most Chinese cars are left-hand drive, so they'll need headlight conversion for Irish roads. The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and prices are quoted substantially lower than equivalent European models. A BYD Seal, for example, retails at roughly CNY 180,000–220,000 (€22,000–€27,000) in China, compared to €45,000+ in Ireland. However, 10% customs duty plus 23% VAT and shipping costs narrow that gap considerably.

Shipping and Documentation from China

Container shipping from Shanghai or Shenzhen to Dublin takes 5–7 weeks and costs approximately €1,500–€2,200. You'll need the Chinese vehicle registration certificate, purchase invoice, and a Certificate of Conformity with WLTP CO2 and NOx figures. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly providing EU-standard CoCs, but check before you buy. NCT testing is mandatory, and some Chinese vehicles may need modifications to meet Irish road standards. Use our import calculator to model the full landing cost.