How to Import Used Cars from China: A Practical Guide for Dealers
A practical overview for overseas dealers buying used vehicles from China, covering sourcing, inspection, quotation, documents and shipment.
Confirm the import rules first
Before selecting vehicles, confirm your destination country’s rules for vehicle age, steering position, emissions, inspection, registration and documentation. Requirements can differ by port and by vehicle type.
Define the vehicles you need
Share your preferred brands, models, model years, mileage range, budget, target quantity and destination port. This allows the sourcing team to prepare a relevant vehicle list and a clear quotation.
Check condition before purchase
Ask for VIN details, exterior and interior photos, dashboard and mileage evidence, videos and condition information. For used vehicles, agree on any reconditioning work before shipment.
Confirm the commercial terms
Compare vehicle price, export documentation, inland delivery, port charges and ocean freight. FOB is suitable when you arrange freight independently; CIF includes freight and insurance to the agreed destination port.
Prepare export and shipping documents
Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing information, bill of lading and export-related records. Your importer should also confirm any local certificate or inspection requirements before loading.
Plan delivery and follow-up
After shipment, keep copies of photos, inspection records, documents and shipping updates. Clear records make customs clearance, registration and future purchasing easier for your dealership.
Bonjour Auto can coordinate photos, videos, vehicle preparation and export documents for the agreed configuration.
