China vs Italy: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to China and Italy β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both China and Italy offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π China Asia | π Italy Europe (EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | N/A (world's largest solar manufacturing base) | 0% (EU MFN) |
| Anti-Dumping | N/A | None |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 13% VAT (rebate on export: 13% for most solar products) | 22% standard; 10% on solar installations |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β Yes |
| Main Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao | Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Naples |
| Typical Lead Time | Domestic: 5-10 days; Export: 2-7 days to port | 30-40 days sea freight from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | FOB Shanghai/Ningbo, EXW factory, CIF anywhere | CIF Genoa, DDP Milan/Rome |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, FuturaSun (local), Canadian Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 580-640W bifacial TOPCon (2026 standard), 700-730W (high-power utility) | 430-500W mono (residential), 580-640W (utility/C&I) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | FOB Shanghai TOPCon 580W: ~$0.082-0.092/W (Q1 2026). Spot market volatility high β lock with TT 30% deposit. | Landed CIF Genoa TOPCon 580W: ~β¬0.09-0.10/W (Q1 2026). Superbonus 110% scaled down but still drives retrofit demand. |
Regulatory Notes
π China
Home to 80%+ of global module supply. Export VAT rebate of 13% factored into FOB. Shanghai/Ningbo are biggest ports. Customs clearance varies by province. New "dual-side tape" packaging standard reduces shipping damage.
π Italy
Superbonus 110% tax deduction scheme (now scaled to 90%/70%) created massive residential PV boom. CEI 0-21 grid code compliance critical for inverters. CBAM applies (reporting since Oct 2023).
JUST SOLAR β China Delivery
JUST SOLAR is based in Shanghai β visit our factories, audit samples, or consolidate LCL shipments to any port.
JUST SOLAR β Italy Delivery
JUST SOLAR supplies Italian distributors with CEI 0-21 compliant systems and full CBAM documentation.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.