How to import used cars from China

What every first-time importer should know — from sourcing and pricing to shipping and documents.

Why China for used cars?

China is the world's largest car market, and that scale now extends to used vehicles: late-model, low-mileage cars — including models from Toyota, Volkswagen, Geely, Chery and BYD built in China — at prices that are hard to match elsewhere. Since 2019 the Chinese government has formally supported used-vehicle exports, and the trade has grown rapidly into Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Latin America.

The process, step by step

Define what you need. Model, year range, fuel type, budget and quantity. Check your country's import rules first — especially the vehicle age limit (see our country guides for Saudi Arabia and Algeria).
Get a sourced offer. A demand-driven exporter (like us) searches the nationwide market against your spec and quotes a formal offer with photos, condition notes and a validity period. Offers are "subject to prior sale" — used cars move fast.
Confirm and pay a deposit. When you confirm, the exporter re-verifies the car is still available, then issues a Proforma Invoice (PI). A deposit by bank transfer (typically 30%) secures the vehicle.
Preparation and export registration. The car is purchased, transferred, serviced and prepared for export. In China this includes de-registration of the vehicle and an export licence — handled on the exporter's side.
Balance, loading and shipping. You pay the balance before loading. The car ships by container (2–4 sedans/SUVs per 40ft) or RoRo where routes allow.
Documents and clearance. You receive the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Certificate of Origin, and clear customs at your port with a local broker.

What FOB pricing actually covers

Most China used-car exports are quoted FOB (Free On Board, Incoterms 2020): the price covers everything until the car is loaded on the vessel — the vehicle itself, pre-export servicing, domestic transport, export customs and port handling. From loading onward, ocean freight, marine insurance, import duty and clearance at destination are the buyer's side. When you compare offers, always confirm what the price includes — a low price that excludes preparation or port charges is not low.

Paying safely

The standard is T/T (bank transfer): a deposit to secure the car, balance before shipment. Two things protect you as a buyer: a written PI that states the exact vehicle (VIN), price and terms before you pay anything; and the Bill of Lading system — the original B/L is the document of title, so the goods can't be released to anyone else. Be cautious of any seller who can't produce a proper PI or asks for payment to a personal account.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ignoring the age rule. Most countries count vehicle age from the manufacture date (check the VIN/plate), not the registration date. A car that is fine by registration year can be over-age by manufacture date.
Buying from a listing price. Listed prices in China's used market are often negotiable starting points. A serious offer is based on a verified, re-confirmed price — not a screenshot.
Skipping condition evidence. Ask for the full photo set, registration date, odometer reading and a written condition summary. For higher-value cars, a third-party inspection before deposit is reasonable.
Forgetting the buyer-side costs. Budget for ocean freight, insurance, import duty/VAT and local clearance on top of the FOB price.

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping take?

It depends on the route and sailing schedule. As a rough order of magnitude, expect several weeks port-to-port plus preparation time before loading. We confirm realistic timelines with our freight partners per order and quote "estimated X weeks, subject to vessel schedule" — be wary of anyone promising an exact date.

Can I import a Chinese EV or hybrid?

Often yes, and Chinese EVs are a major draw. Note two things: your country's rules for new-energy vehicles (some markets restrict or incentivise them differently), and shipping — lithium batteries involve dangerous-goods declarations, which adds cost and lead time.

Are Chinese-market cars left-hand drive?

Yes — all mainland-China market cars are left-hand drive (LHD). That suits most of Africa, the Middle East and Latin America; right-hand-drive countries generally cannot register them.

What if the car is sold while I'm deciding?

Serious offers from China are "subject to prior sale" because exporters source from a live market rather than holding stock. The professional standard: the exporter re-verifies availability the moment you express intent, before issuing the PI — so you never pay for a car that's already gone.

Disclaimer: import regulations change and are applied by the destination country's customs at the time of clearance. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with your local customs broker before paying a deposit. Under FOB terms, import compliance and clearance are the buyer's responsibility; we flag obvious issues (such as vehicle age limits) before you commit.