How to import cars from China, what licenses are required to import cars from China. These are common questions for many who want to import Chinese cars. Today, we provide a detailed introduction to the documents needed for importing cars from China. For example: basic universal documents, export customs declaration documents, destination country-specific documents, as well as special requirements for certain vehicle types and specific countries.

Basic Trade Documents (Universal Requirements)

Commercial Invoice

Must specify in detail vehicle brand, model, VIN code, engine number, quantity, unit price, total value, trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), etc., serving as the basis for taxation.

Packing List

Indicates packaging method, gross weight, net weight, container number, and other information for inspection purposes.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Sea or air waybill proving ownership of goods and contractual transport relationships; must match invoice information.

Sales Contract

Formal agreement signed between buyer and seller, clarifying transaction terms.

Export Customs Declaration Documents (China Customs Requirements)

Export Goods Declaration Form

Submitted to Chinese customs during export; requires vehicle specifications, HS code, value, etc.

Export License (if applicable)

Required for specific countries or vehicle types (e.g., military-modified vehicles); issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Certificate of Origin

Issued by CCPIT or customs, certifying Chinese manufacturing origin for tariff benefits (e.g., under FTA agreements).

Destination Country Import Clearance Documents (Core Compliance Documents)

Import Licence

Required by most countries (e.g., EU, Middle East, Latin America); must apply in advance. Examples:

• EU requires EEC type-approval (e-mark);
• USA requires DOT certification and EPA environmental proof.

Technical Standards Compliance Documents

• Vehicle Certification: e.g., EU CE certification, Russian GOST certification;
• Environmental Test Report: Compliant with local emission standards (e.g., Euro 6, US Tier 4);
• Safety Test Report: Meets destination country safety regulations (e.g., FMVSS (USA), ADR (Australia)).

Vehicle Technical Parameter Documents

Provide bilingual (Chinese-English) vehicle specifications sheet including dimensions, displacement, power, configuration codes, etc. Some countries require official website configuration screenshots (e.g., Middle East).

Other Potentially Required Documents

Insurance Policy

Covers transport risks (e.g., under CIF terms).

Inspection Certificate

Some countries (e.g., Africa, Middle East) require pre-shipment inspection by third-party agencies (e.g., SGS).

Export Tax Rebate Documents

For Chinese exporters claiming tax rebates: VAT invoice, customs declaration form (rebate copy), etc.

Special Case Additional Documents

Used Vehicle Export: Requires vehicle registration certificate, deregistration proof, annual inspection report. Some countries impose age limits (e.g., Southeast Asia: ≤5 years).

Electric/New Energy Vehicles: Battery MSDS safety data sheet, UN38.3 test report (mandatory for air transport).

Overview of Documents Required for Exporting Different Vehicle Categories

The table below summarizes core documents for exporting various vehicle categories:

Operational Suggestions

Confirm destination regulations in advance: Significant variations exist (e.g., Saudi GCC certification, Russian OTTC certification); verify via importers or professional agencies.

Utilize FTA benefits: For ASEAN/RCEP members, apply for preferential Certificate of Origin to reduce tariffs.

Engage professional customs brokers: For complex documents (e.g., certifications, inspections), seek assistance from local clearance agents.