Residential photovoltaic systems are on-trend. Energy banks used in PV systems can store chemical energy for later conversion to electrical energy. With energy storage, the user can use electricity even during a power outage. China is the biggest exporter of energy banks (accumulators, batteries) and electric transformers. This article will discuss importing energy banks from China to the EU.
Where are solar battery storages produced in China?
The southeastern part of China is the most developed region of the country. The leader of energy bank production in China is Guangdong Province. The biggest energy accumulator manufacturing areas in China are:
Customs rate on solar energy systems from China
Customs duty is one of the barriers to international trade. The duty is applied when you source products into the EU from a third country (non-EU country). Customs rates and customs codes assigned to product categories and more information on imports can be found in TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities).
- The customs rate for lead-acid energy banks (accumulators) used, for example, in a photovoltaic installation, is 3.7% (8507208090).
- The duty on lithium-ion energy banks from China (8507600090) is 2.7%.
- The duty rate for inverters having a power handling capacity exceeding 7,5 kVA (8504408890) is 0%. For other converters (8504409090), the duty is also 0%.
- The code for parts of electric accumulators and separators is 8507908090. The customs rate is 2.7%.
Importing solar battery storages from China to the EU – requirements
Each importer has an obligation to ensure that the sourced product meets the product requirements of the target market. Products placed on the European Union market, in addition to national laws, must meet the provisions set out in the applicable EU legislation.
EU law regarding PV energy banks
Energy banks are subject to several European Union directives:
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
Directive 2014/30/EU applies to devices with electronic or electrical components that may interfere with the operation of other devices.
Low Voltage Directive
Directive 2014/35/EU mainly regulates electrical equipment intended for use with voltages between 50 V and 1000 V alternating current and between 75 V and 1500 V direct current.
RoHS Directive
Directive 2011/65/EU restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and diphenyl ethers, and phthalates.
CE mark and declaration of conformity
The above-mentioned directives state that the CE mark must be affixed to the product or its documentation. The CE mark is affixed by the manufacturer when the product has successfully passed the tests, and a Declaration of Conformity with the directives and standards to which the product’s conformity relates has been drawn up.
WEEE Directive
Energy storage falls under Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE) on waste electrical and electronic equipment. The WEEE directive regulates the WEEE by preventing, reusing, recycling, and other forms of recovery of such wastes to reduce waste disposal. It is the importer’s responsibility to make sure the WEEE mark is placed on the product or its documents.
Sourcing solar battery storages from China to the EU – trade fairs
To stay up to date with industry news and expand your business network, consider attending a trade show in China. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Chinese business culture to be well prepared to negotiate with Chinese partners.
Below is a list of selected industry fairs in China where you can meet exhibitors displaying energy storages.
International Green Architecture and Construction Materials Expo
- Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai
- Website: expojc.com/en
- ESBUILD is a huge fair in the green building sector, dedicated to zero-emission buildings and built with sustainable building materials.
Solar PV World Expo
- Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou
- Website: pvguangzhou.com
- Solar PV World Expo is a popular trade fair where you will learn a lot about generating, storing and using solar energy.
Shenzhen International Electric Vehicle Supply Equipments Fair
- Venue: Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen
- Website: szevexpo.com
- SZEVE is a fair focused on electric vehicles that attracts over 30,000 participants. In addition to ready-made electric vehicles, the exhibitors display parts, equipment, and energy banks (batteries).
Asia Battery Sourcing Fair
- Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou
- Website: battery-expo.com
- Asia Battery Sourcing Fair is an energy, electricity, and electronics industry fair.
China Distributed & Household PV Brand
- Venue: Hangzhou International Expo Center, Hangzhou
- Website: asiasolar.net/en
- AsiaSolar PV Exhibition is all about photovoltaic systems. For over a decade, the fair attracted almost 300,000 participants. Exhibitors display photovoltaic panels, cells, energy banks, and more.
Canton Fair (China Export and Import Fair) Phase 1
- Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou
- Website: cantonfair.org.cn/en
- Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in China (200,000 participants). It is divided into three phases. The first phase focuses on electrical appliances and equipment, as well as renewable energy farms.
Importing energy banks from China to the EU – to sum up
- China is the largest exporter of energy banks (accumulators, energy banks), static converters, and transformers.
- The largest energy bank production area in China is Guangdong Province.
- The duty on energy storage and related parts sourced from China to the EU is low.
- The importer must make sure that the imported products comply with the requirements of the target market. Energy banks in the EU are subject to the LVD, EMC, and RoHS directives and must bear the CE and WEEE marks.
- Verify your Chinese supplier before placing the order.
- See the most important information on the import of solar panels from China.