Can I store an imported Chinese EV in a bonded warehouse before paying duty?
Short answer:
Bonded warehousing delays duty and VAT payment until the vehicle clears for local use — useful for dealers holding stock or awaiting homologation paperwork.
Most major ports in our markets (Jebel Ali, Manzanillo, Santos, Callao) offer bonded/free-zone warehousing, where an imported vehicle can sit without duty or VAT being due until it's formally cleared for local registration.
- Useful for — dealers holding multi-unit stock, buyers waiting on homologation or type-approval paperwork, or re-export to a third country.
- Cost — bonded storage fees apply and accrue daily, so it's usually only worth it for weeks, not months.
This is arranged through your local customs broker, not through us directly — we can recommend one in most of our covered markets.