2026-08-30

How to Import a Car from China: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm your country's import rules — age limits, homologation, and EV incentives vary widely. Step 2: Get a CIF quote that includes shipping and insurance, not just the FOB price.

Step 3: Pay a 30% deposit to a verified company account — never to a personal account. Step 4: Insist on a pre-export inspection with photos and video; third-party SGS adds credibility for resale.

Step 5: Receive your original Bill of Lading, invoice, packing list and certificate of origin by courier, pay the balance, and clear customs at destination. Total timeline: typically 3–6 weeks from deposit to port.