Do Parallel Import Cars Require Tax Payment?
3 Answers
No. Because the price on the invoice when purchasing the car includes tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax, there is no need to pay them again. The purchase tax needs to be paid by yourself after buying the car. Here is some relevant information: 1. Advantages of purchasing parallel import cars: outstanding price advantages, advantages in models and delivery time, richer configurations, special models/luxury sports cars, original factory modified models, optimized delivery process, etc. 2. Tariffs are taxes levied by the government's customs on import and export goods as they pass through a country's customs territory. 3. National tax is the national tax system, symmetrical to "local tax", and is a product of a country's tax-sharing system. In the process of developing a socialist market economy, taxes bear the functions of organizing fiscal revenue, regulating the economy, and adjusting social distribution. More than 90% of China's annual fiscal revenue comes from taxes, and its status and role are becoming increasingly important.
As a frequent car buyer, I can confirm that parallel-import vehicles are definitely subject to taxes – I've personally experienced this. When I selected a US-spec SUV, the dealership salesperson directly listed all applicable taxes and fees including import duties and VAT, which were incorporated into the total price. Not paying taxes is illegal, and customs inspections are strict. Tax evasion could result in the vehicle being denied registration, failing annual inspections, or even being impounded. I believe these taxes are worthwhile as they ensure the vehicle's legal roadworthiness and prevent endless troubles. The savings with parallel imports mainly come from lower prices and better configurations, but taxes must be paid in full. I recommend verifying all tax details before signing contracts to avoid future disputes.
I've been selling parallel-imported vehicles for years, and every transaction involves tax procedures. When cars are imported from abroad, they must go through customs declaration, and taxes must be paid after declaring their value. Taxes like import duties and VAT are mandatory—without paying them, the process simply can't proceed. Buyers may see the low price, unaware that taxes account for a significant portion of the cost. In practice, we help customers calculate the taxes and include them in the total vehicle price. These taxes ensure the vehicle's legal origin and smooth future transfers and maintenance. Remember, choosing a reliable dealership is crucial—some small vendors might cut corners, but compliant operations never involve tax evasion.
