Can you buy a Xiaomi SU7 in Canada?

Canada used to charge a 100% surtax on every Chinese-built EV. From 1 March 2026 that was replaced, for a limited number of cars, by a quota: 49,000 EVs a year at the 6.1% MFN tariff, split into two six-month windows of 24,500 (1 March to 31 August 2026, then 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027) and handed out first come, first served. Cars above the quota still pay the 100% surtax, and the quota is set to grow to 70,000 by 2030.

If you read older pages (including an earlier version of ours) that say Canada has a flat 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, they are out of date.

Global Affairs Canada's Notice to Importers No. 1162 (25 February 2026) says a shipment-specific import permit is required for every covered EV from China, and that imports without one are prohibited. To apply you must be a Canadian resident and an EV manufacturer; a foreign manufacturer can appoint a Canadian agent.

So the 6.1% rate is a channel for Xiaomi or another maker to use, not for an individual who buys an SU7 in China.

Separately from tariffs, Transport Canada does not allow vehicles under 15 years old from countries other than the US or Mexico unless the vehicle meets all Canadian standards and was bought new from its manufacturer. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles programme only covers cars built to US or Mexican standards. A Chinese-market SU7 fits neither route.

An official import would pay 6.1% on the value for duty, which excludes freight after the car leaves its point of direct shipment, then 5% GST on the duty-paid value. HST provinces charge 13% (Ontario) to 15% (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island) in total, and Quebec adds 9.975% QST.

On those rules alone an SU7 Max (CA$63,180) would come to about CA$74,321 with shipping and GST, before dealer margin. Xiaomi has not said it will apply for permits.

We found no public Canadian listing for an SU7 as of 28 September 2026, which fits the rules above: without a permit the car cannot legally cross the border.