China’s Export Tax Rebate Window for Energy Storage Cabinets Closes on October 1, 2026

In early January, China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the State Taxation Administration (STA) jointly released the Announcement on Adjusting Export Tax Rebate Policies for Products Including Photovoltaics. This policy update has important implications for overseas buyers of energy storage products, particularly energy storage cabinets.

Key Policy Changes at a Glance

According to the announcement:

• Starting April 1, 2026, the export VAT rebate for photovoltaic products and certain related products will be cancelled.
• The export VAT rebate rate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6%, and will remain at this level until January 1, 2027, when the rebate will be fully cancelled.
• The applicable export VAT rebate rate is determined by the export date stated on the customs declaration, not by the contract date or production date.

These adjustments mark a clear transition period, after which export tax rebates for related products will no longer be available.

What This Means for Energy Storage Cabinet Exports

For ASG energy storage cabinets, the current production lead time is approximately 45–60 days. Given that the rebate eligibility is determined by the actual export (customs declaration) date, timing becomes critical for customers who wish to benefit from the remaining export tax rebate window.To ensure that shipments can be completed and declared before the rebate policy changes take full effect, orders must be placed well in advance.

Critical Deadline: October 1, 2026

Taking into account the production cycle and export timelines, we strongly recommend that customers place orders no later than October 1, 2026. Orders placed before this date are far more likely to:

• Complete production within the required timeframe
• Be exported and declared before the rebate window effectively closes
• Maximize cost savings by still benefiting from the remaining export VAT rebate

Plan Ahead to Secure Cost Advantages

As China gradually phases out export tax rebates for photovoltaic and battery-related products, early planning is essential. Customers who act proactively can still take advantage of the current policy window and avoid unexpected cost increases in the future.If you are planning procurement of energy storage cabinets for projects in 2026, now is the time to align your purchasing schedule with the policy timeline and secure your rebate benefits before the window closes.