Interesting information - thanks bikerdoc.

Perhaps your information might apply to private individuals, doing a "pure" import. There are other situations, however, to allow a foreigner who is the registered owner of a WFOE (under certain circumstances) to import a vehicle for personal use, at substantially reduced rates. And, in a few cases, at zero rates.

Also, there are WFOE categories that allow the importation of goods under reduced rates if certain conditions are met (and within business scope and purpose). It also depends on where the goods are landed (e.g., Tianjin). A registered WFOE with an import license has a separate schedule for import tariffs (different than private individuals).

There are also provisions to allow the importation of a private vehicle for extended work visa categories. I was once shown a guy's 2 year residency permit in his passport that identified a Porsche 911 as having come in with him. Long story, but the car is not being driven by him. It is zooming around the snow-covered lanes of Heilongjiang, driven by the Chinese big-boss.

It has been a while (pre-2005), but I recall that the US Embassy was actively involved in the original HD story, re duties and tariffs potentially contravening WTO provisions ... this was apparently quite a contentious issue, as China had only recently been included in the WTO. I have only heard rumors that the "HD deal" was "special circumstances" and has grandfathered through recent changes.

There is a guy in Beijing who is bringing in HDs, legally, and able to legally plate them, with a price about 15 - 20% less than the official HD dealer - the wrinkle is, however, HD China does not recognize them as eligible for warranty service (no surprise there, as this also happens back home between Canada & the USA). I've seen a couple of his 2012 bikes. Obviously, I don't know much about the inner workings of his financials, but he is managing to somehow do it (and presumably turn a profit). He's also the "unofficial" Triumph, Kawasaki and KTM "dealer" in Beijing ... legal bikes.

Oh, I think it also matters on which country the vehicle is coming from (e.g., presumably the Thailand Triumphs will be less "taxed" under the two countries' FTA).

Nevertheless, 99% of us here would be trying to privately import a vehicle, so your info is very helpful. Tx again.