Tajikistan: A Rapidly Penetrating NEV Market in Central Asia and LHZ Auto's Local Site Launch

Tajikistan is one of the fastest-growing markets for new energy vehicle penetration in Central Asia. In the first half of 2026, Tajikistan imported approximately 31,900 passenger vehicles, of which 7,069 were electric vehicles, accounting for 22.2% of total passenger vehicle imports. Of these, 6,875 units, or 97.3%, were imported from China, with an import value of approximately 109.7 million USD. In 2025, Tajikistan imported 63,961 passenger vehicles, up 35.3% year-on-year, with total import value reaching 684.9 million USD.

The national vehicle registration base stands at 701,231 units, while per capita car ownership remains only about 50 vehicles per 1,000 people, well below the Central Asian regional average. This indicates that Tajikistan's automotive import demand remains on a rapid growth trajectory, with particularly significant incremental space in the new energy vehicle segment.

On the policy front, Tajikistan adopted a tax code amendment in 2022, granting a ten-year import tariff exemption for electric vehicles through 2032, along with full exemption from VAT and excise tax. The Electric Vehicle Development Program 2023-2028 allocated 230 million Somoni for charging infrastructure development. From 2026 to 2028, 1,100 new charging facilities are planned, including 555 in Dushanbe, with an investment of approximately 18.07 million USD. Dushanbe's taxi fleet achieved 100% electrification on September 1, 2025, with 60 electric buses already in operation and 210 more to be rolled out in phases from 2026 to 2028. Tajikistan plans to launch local EV production projects in cooperation with Chinese enterprises by 2028. This combination of policies makes Tajikistan one of the most NEV-friendly import markets in Central Asia.

In the local market, Chinese NEV brands have already established absolute dominance. In May 2024, GAC Aion's Central Asia export base in Kashgar, Xinjiang, was officially launched, with the first batch of 1,000 AION Y Plus units delivered to Tajikistan, setting a record for a single NEV import transaction in the country. Changan, Deepal, and Chery have established comprehensive sales and service networks in Dushanbe, with Changan offering a three-year or 120,000-kilometer official warranty and Chery offering a five-year official warranty. In May 2026, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon visited Seres' super factory and test-drove the AITO M9 during his state visit to China, praising Chinese new energy vehicles and directing deepened practical cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

On the logistics front, LHZ Auto Tajikistan Operation Center leverages the Group's TIR logistics network, delivering from Kashgar through the Karasu Port to Dushanbe in 6 to 10 days. In the first four months of 2026, vehicle crossings at the Karasu Port exceeded 10,000, up 15% year-on-year, with over 7,000 vehicles exported through the port and average customs clearance time reduced by more than 50%. The Karasu Port has opened a dedicated lane for commercial vehicles, reducing clearance time from 9 minutes to 4 minutes, with single-vehicle inspection time reduced by 60%. It is important to note that the Karasu Port is closed due to heavy snow from December to March each year, requiring winter shipments to be rerouted through Khorgos via Kazakhstan, with a transit time of approximately 12 to 15 days.

On the market access front, Tajikistan adopts left-hand drive standards and prohibits right-hand drive vehicles. Vehicles manufactured before 2013 have been banned from import since 2024. Emission standards must meet Euro 4 or higher, diesel vehicles must be equipped with DPF particulate filters, and all vehicles must be equipped with ABS. Tajikistan is not an EAEU member state and does not recognize EAC certification. Imported vehicles must obtain TajikAutoCert certification, with local customs clearance typically taking 2 to 5 working days. Import duties for fuel vehicles are fixed at 25 to 100 USD, with VAT at 14% for non-cash payments and 15% for cash payments. Electric vehicles benefit from a ten-year import tariff exemption along with full exemption from VAT and excise tax.

The LHZ Auto Tajikistan site (www.lhzauto.tj) has been officially launched, focusing on B2B complete vehicle exports and wholesale. The site provides B2B clients with full-chain trade services from demand analysis and model matching to compliance certification and customs clearance delivery. Whether for bulk procurement or customized requirements, the LHZ Auto Tajikistan Operation Center delivers efficient and reliable solutions backed by the Group's logistics network and trade resources.


FAQ

Q1: What is the scale of NEV imports in Tajikistan?

In the first half of 2026, Tajikistan imported 7,069 electric vehicles, accounting for 22.2% of total passenger vehicle imports, with 97.3% sourced from China. In 2025, total passenger vehicle imports reached 63,961 units, up 35.3% year-on-year.

Q2: What NEV policies does Tajikistan offer?

Electric vehicles enjoy a ten-year import tariff exemption through 2032, along with full exemption from VAT and excise tax. The Electric Vehicle Development Program 2023-2028 allocated 230 million Somoni, with 1,100 new charging facilities planned for 2026-2028.

Q3: How are Chinese NEV brands performing in Tajikistan?

GAC Aion delivered the first batch of 1,000 units, setting a record for single NEV imports. Changan, Deepal, and Chery have established sales and service networks in Dushanbe, with Changan offering a three-year or 120,000-kilometer warranty and Chery offering a five-year warranty.

Q4: How long does it take to transport vehicles from China to Tajikistan?

The Kashgar-Karasu-Dushanbe route takes 6 to 10 days. From December to March, the Karasu Port is closed due to snow, requiring rerouting through Khorgos via Kazakhstan, taking approximately 12 to 15 days.

Q5: What are Tajikistan's vehicle import requirements?

Left-hand drive only, right-hand drive prohibited. Vehicles manufactured before 2013 are banned. Euro 4 or higher emission standards required, diesel vehicles must have DPF, all vehicles must have ABS. Tajikistan does not recognize EAC certification; vehicles must obtain TajikAutoCert certification.

Q6: What are the import duties and taxes in Tajikistan?

Fuel vehicles: fixed duty of 25 to 100 USD, VAT at 14% for non-cash and 15% for cash payments. Electric vehicles: ten-year import tariff exemption plus full VAT and excise tax exemption.

Q7: What services does the LHZ Auto Tajikistan site provide?

The LHZ Auto Tajikistan site (www.lhzauto.tj) focuses on B2B complete vehicle exports and wholesale, providing full-chain trade services from demand analysis and model matching to compliance certification and customs clearance delivery.


LHZ Auto Tajikistan Operation Center | Website: www.lhzauto.tj | Guangzhou Nansha: 15220000555 | Khorgos: 19259087888 | Email: china@lhzauto.com