Canada imposed 100% surtax on Chinese-origin electric vehicles effective October 2024. Stacks on top of normal Customs Tariff treatment. Remission applications possible for qualifying circumstances. CBSA verifies origin claims for surtax purposes; misclaimed non-Chinese origin exposes to retroactive surtax.

This guide covers Canada’s 100% Surtax on Chinese EVs. Specific tariff actions span statutes, programs, and enforcement mechanisms.

Practical implementation depends on company size, sector, and operational structure.

Scope and effective date

Chinese-origin electric vehicles. Effective October 1, 2024. 100% ad valorem.

Stacking on Customs Tariff

Surtax applies on top of normal MFN duty. Combined effective rate often exceeds 130%.

Remission applications

Possible for hardship, supply necessity, public interest. Most commercial-purpose imports do not qualify.

Origin verification

CBSA verifies Chinese origin claim. Misclaimed origin exposes to retroactive surtax plus AMPS penalties.

Frequently asked questions

When does this apply?

Most relevant for SMB importers facing the named situation or considering the named strategy.

What documentation is needed?

Standard CBP forms plus topic-specific records.

What is the timeline?

Initial assessment 2-4 weeks; complex implementation 8-16 weeks.

What does this cost?

Project work typically $5,000-$25,000. Ongoing retainer for active operations.

How do I begin?

Book a 15-minute scoping call. We confirm fit before any engagement.

Get started

Engage on specific tariff action work. Project pricing varies by scope.

About the author

Kyle Peacock is the Principal of Peacock Tariff Consulting, an independent tariff and customs advisory firm serving SMB importers across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the E.U. He has been quoted in Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post, BBC, CBC, CTV, Financial Post, Nasdaq, Supply Chain Brain, and Harvard Business School publications. Connect on LinkedIn.