UAE Federal Tax Authority Confirms 5% Customs Duty Holds for EV Imports in 2026
The UAE Federal Tax Authority confirmed in the 2026 budget release that the 5% customs duty under the GCC Common External Tariff remains unchanged for imported passenger vehicles, including EVs. No anti-dumping levy was introduced — a sharp contrast to the EU's 38% provisional rate on Chinese EVs.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) confirmed in its 2026 budget documentation that the 5% customs duty rate under the GCC Common External Tariff remains in force for all imported passenger vehicles, including battery electric vehicles. Federal 5% VAT applies to the final sale price separately. No additional anti-dumping or country-of-origin surcharge has been introduced for Chinese-manufactured EVs.
For comparison, the European Commission's provisional anti-dumping investigation concluded in 2024 set country-specific rates on Chinese-manufactured EVs entering the EU ranging up to 38%, applied on top of the standard 10% EU vehicle import tariff. The United States maintains a 100% additional duty on Chinese EVs since 2024.
The UAE's posture aligns with broader GCC trade policy — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman also operate under the 5% Common External Tariff without anti-dumping action on Chinese vehicles.
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Written by EVPlus Editorial Team · 18 May 2026