Importing from China
China dominates global photovoltaic manufacturing, so buying panels at source is almost a must for any serious project. But the panel has quirks worth mastering: it is bulky and fragile (a large sheet of glass), it almost always moves by sea with reinforced packaging, and orders often include batteries and inverters that, if they contain lithium, are dangerous goods. Here is how it ships, which taxes and certificates apply and the critical points that get it there intact and compliant.
The panel is large, flat and fragile: cost is driven by volume (CBM) and it almost always travels by sea freight, in a full container (FCL) for installer or project orders, or groupage (LCL) for small quantities. They load on vertical pallets with corner protectors and strapping; glass and cells do not forgive poor stowage, so demand reinforced packaging and correct securing.
Air freight does not pay off given volume and weight, except for a sample. What changes the shipment is adding batteries (lithium) or inverters: lithium batteries are dangerous goods (UN 3480/3481) and require a safety data sheet, UN 38.3 and approved packaging. In planning, keep the panel (fragile cargo) separate from the battery (dangerous cargo).
Photovoltaic cells and modules are classified under HS 8541 (inverters under 8504, batteries under 8507). The panel’s duty on entry into the EU is usually low (indicatively close to 0 %), but confirm the heading with your broker, as the inverter or battery is taxed differently. Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI and the declaration is in your name.
Certification is key to installing and grid-connecting: modules must meet IEC standards (e.g. IEC 61215 for design and IEC 61730 for safety) and carry CE marking; inverters must also meet grid and EMC standards. Ask the supplier for certificates from a recognised laboratory before buying: without them, the material may not be installable or insurable.
The module is essentially glass: invisible microcracks ruin performance. Demand vertical pallets, corner protectors, strapping and films, check stowage in the container and take out all-risk insurance (cheap, ~0.1 % of value). Document the condition with photos on arrival.
If the order includes lithium batteries, they are dangerous goods (UN 3480/3481): they need a safety data sheet, a UN 38.3 report, approved packaging and carriage that accepts them. Plan them separately from the panel so they do not hold up the whole shipment.
Installing and grid-connecting requires modules with IEC 61215 / 61730 and CE, and inverters compliant with local grid rules. Without a recognised-laboratory certificate, the material can be unusable even after reaching port.
The photovoltaic sector is under trade surveillance in the EU and measures have changed over time. Do not assume the tariff treatment: confirm the current situation with your broker for your heading and origin before closing the order.
To move panels, the usual route is sea freight (FCL or groupage) with reinforced packaging, and we handle your customs clearance. Tell us whether the order includes batteries or inverters and we will advise on mode and documentation.
Note: duties, trade-surveillance measures and rules (IEC, CE, lithium-battery rules) can change and depend on the exact heading, origin and destination country. This guide describes the general situation at the time of writing; confirm it with your customs broker before deciding.
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