Налоги на китайские автомобили: что нужно знать перед покупкой?

Chinese cars are becoming increasingly popular in Russia due to their affordable price and improved quality. However, before buying, it is important to consider not only the cost of the car, but also the taxes on Chinese-made vehicles. These expenses can significantly affect the total cost of ownership. In this article, we'll cover what taxes owners of cars from China can expect and how to calculate them.

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Why is it important to consider taxes on Chinese cars?

The impact of taxes on the budget

Vehicle tax and other mandatory payments are an important part of the costs of owning a car. If you're planning to buy a Chinese car, it's important to calculate these costs in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Furthermore, taxes on Chinese cars depend on several factors, such as engine power, region of registration and age of the vehicle. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying all the details before buying.

The difference between new and used cars

Tax obligations for new and used cars can differ. For example, new models often have higher vehicle excise duty rates due to their greater engine capacity.

Therefore, the choice between a new and used car directly affects your annual expenses.

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What taxes need to be paid for Chinese cars?

1. Vehicle Excise Duty

Basic calculation principles

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is the primary type of payment that vehicle owners are obligated to pay. Its amount depends on the following factors:

• Engine power : The higher the power, the higher the tax.
• Region of registration : Vehicle tax rates vary depending on the region. For instance, they are higher in Moscow than in smaller towns.
• Age of vehicle : There may be benefits or reduced rates for older vehicles.

Taxes on Chinese cars are usually in the mid-range compared to other brands.

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2. Customs duties

Features for Newer Cars

If you're buying a new car from China, customs duties are already included in its price. However, it's important to bear in mind that these can significantly increase the vehicle's cost.

For used cars imported from abroad, customs duties are calculated individually. This can make the purchase less profitable.

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3. Disposal Fee

What you need to know about additional charges

The disposal fee is a mandatory payment levied when purchasing a new car. It is the same for all makes, including Chinese cars.

The toll amount depends on the type of vehicle and its emission class. For owners of Chinese cars, this is an additional expense to take into account.

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How are taxes calculated on Chinese cars?

1. Vehicle Excise Duty

The formula for calculating vehicle tax is simple:
Tax = Engine Power × Tax Rate × Regional Factor.

Example:

• A car with an engine power of 150 hp.
• Regional Rate: £0.20 per hp.
• Total tax: 150 × 20 = 3000 roubles per year.

This formula will help you to roughly estimate your expenses.

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2. Customs duties

A complex formula is used to calculate customs duties, taking into account:

• Type of vehicle.
• Engine capacity.
• Age of the vehicle.

If you are planning to import a car yourself, consult specialists for an accurate calculation.

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3. Disposal Fee

The recycling fee is fixed and depends on the vehicle category. For example, for passenger cars it is about 45,000 roubles.

This fee is already included in the price of new cars, so no further action is required from you.

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How to reduce taxes on Chinese cars?

1. Choice of registration region

Vehicle excise duty rates vary depending on the region. For example, in some areas they are lower than in major cities. Re-registering a car in such a region could save money.

2. Concessions for Certain Categories of Citizen

Certain categories of citizens are entitled to benefits regarding their vehicle tax. For example, pensioners, large families, and disabled people may receive a discount or full exemption from payment.

3. Choosing a car with lower horsepower

If you want to minimise expenses, choose a car with a smaller engine. This will reduce the amount of road tax.

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Top 5 Chinese Cars with the Lowest Taxes

1. Chery Tiggo 4

An economical option for the city

The Chery Tiggo 4 has an engine producing up to 120 hp, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce taxes on Chinese cars.

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2. Haval Jolion

Compact crossover with low running costs

The Haval Jolion combines an affordable price with a fuel-efficient engine, making it attractive to Russian drivers.

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3. Geely Emgrand

Budget sedan with minimal taxes

The Geely Emgrand is an affordable saloon with an engine producing up to 100 hp, significantly reducing vehicle excise duty.

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4. Lifan Solano II

Simple and reliable car

The Lifan Solano II offers basic specifications and low tax liabilities, making it ideal for novice drivers.

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5. FAW Besturn X40

Compact crossover with an economical engine

The FAW Besturn X40 is an affordable car with an engine producing up to 110 hp, helping to minimise tax expenses.

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Conclusion: Should you be worried about taxes on Chinese cars?

Taxes on Chinese cars are an important aspect to consider when buying. They can significantly affect the overall cost of ownership, especially if you choose powerful or new models.

However, by correctly calculating all expenses and choosing a suitable car, you can minimise your costs. Chinese cars remain one of the most affordable options on the Russian market, even when factoring in taxes.