---
title: "Electric vehicles from China: Global Affairs Canada · Adhoc"
description: "Commercial imports of electric vehicles made in China need a permit for every shipment, within the quota. Apply up to 30 days ahead; the permit is valid for up to 60 days."
canonical: "https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/electric-vehicles-from-china"
last_updated: 2026-11-11
---

# Electric vehicles from China within the quota

Global Affairs Canada · Import Control List

Commercial imports of electric vehicles made in China need a permit for every shipment, within the quota. Apply up to 30 days ahead; the permit is valid for up to 60 days.

## To import electric vehicles made in China

### Once, before your first shipment

- **Import as the vehicles' maker, or as its agent.** GAC issues permits to Canadian-resident makers of electric vehicles. A maker outside Canada may appoint an agent.
- **Get an EIPA number.** GAC's importer number for permits. One form, sent once.

### On every shipment

- **A GAC permit for every commercial shipment.** Even for testing or demonstration. Apply up to 30 days before entry; the permit is valid for up to 60 days.

## Are your vehicles covered?

Electric vehicles that originate in China, including kits made there and assembled elsewhere. Electric tricycles, golf carts and mobility scooters need no permit, and neither does a personal import classified under Chapter 98 of the Customs Tariff.

Goods in these parts of the tariff: [Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and their parts](https://www.useadhoc.com/hs-codes/87)

[Look up an HS code](https://www.useadhoc.com/hs-codes)

## Documents you may need

| Document | When you need it | Status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shipment-specific permit, Issued by GAC for one shipment | Every commercial import of an electric vehicle made in China, within the quota | Required |

## What stops the vehicles at the border

- **The vehicles arrive without GAC's permit**: Commercial imports without the permit are prohibited. Apply up to 30 days before the vehicles arrive.
- **The period's quota is used up**: GAC issues permits first come, first served until the quota is reached: 24,500 vehicles, plus any left from the first period, to 28 February 2027.

## Quota year

- Mar 1 A new quota year begins, Each runs to the end of February.

## Also check for these goods

| Also check | Who | Where it applies |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vehicles | Transport Canada | Some of the same HS codes |
| Vehicle emissions | Environment and Climate Change Canada | Some of the same HS codes |

## Recent changes

- Sep 1, 2026 Quota period two opens, Notice to importers 1168
- Mar 1, 2026 A GAC permit required for electric vehicles made in China, Customs Notice 26-05

Also from Global Affairs Canada: [Steel](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/steel) · [Aluminum](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/aluminum) · [Farm goods](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/farm-goods) · [Clothing and textiles](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/clothing-and-textiles)

## Questions

### Do I need a permit to import one for testing?

Yes. Every commercial import needs GAC's permit, including temporary imports for testing or demonstration. A personal import classified under Chapter 98 of the Customs Tariff needs none; for other personal imports, contact GAC.

### Which vehicles don't need the permit?

Electric tricycles, and vehicles not made to carry passengers, such as electric golf carts and three-wheeled mobility scooters.

## Sources

- [Notice to importers 1168: electric vehicles from the People's Republic of China](https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/controls-controles/notices-avis/1168.aspx?lang=eng), Global Affairs Canada, modified 2026-08-28
- [Customs Notice 26-05: Permit requirement to import Chinese-made electric vehicles to Canada](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn26-05-eng.html), CBSA, modified 2026-05-14
- [Memorandum D19-10-2: Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (importations)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-10-2-eng.html), CBSA, modified 2026-10-22
- [Import Control List, C.R.C., c. 604](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/c.r.c.,_c._604/index.html), Justice Laws, current to 2026-10-19
- [Import permits](https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/impor/permits-licences.aspx?lang=eng), Global Affairs Canada, modified 2025-12-04

Reviewed November 10, 2026.

Adhoc is not affiliated with Global Affairs Canada or CBSA.