Inspection report, VIN, odometer and export eligibility are checked before deal progress.
Import Process & Platform Escrow
How to Safely Import Used Cars from China
From vehicle selection, quote, PI, contract signing and platform-account payment to inspection, export license, customs declaration, booking, B/L and destination clearance, every milestone is recorded on-platform.
Buyer pays to a platform-approved account; supplier settlement follows inspection and document milestones.
FOB/CIF quote, booking, B/L and destination-port handover are tracked in one order.
Major accident, flood, fire, odometer and off-platform deal risks enter admin review.
1
Vehicle Search and On-Platform Inquiry
Buyers filter inventory by brand, budget, destination, port, fuel type and inspection completion, then submit inquiries on-platform.
1-3 days2
Platform Quote and PI
The platform combines FOB/CIF, service fees, inspection fees, document fees, logistics and insurance estimates into a quote and proforma invoice.
1-2 days3
Contract Signing
Before deposit payment, the buyer signs the vehicle purchase contract and platform escrow service agreement covering vehicle, price, refund, documents and delivery responsibilities.
Same day-2 days4
Official-Account Deposit
The buyer pays the deposit only to the platform official account. After finance verification, the platform locks the vehicle and notifies the supplier to prepare inspection and export documents.
1-5 business days5
Inspection and Risk Disclosure
The supplier submits core inspection photos, video and report. Major accident, flood, fire or odometer risks must be clearly disclosed and routed to risk control.
2-5 days6
Export License and Customs Declaration
A compliant exporter completes transfer registration for export, export license application, document preparation and customs declaration.
3-10 days7
Balance Verification and Booking
After inspection and document confirmation, the buyer pays the balance to the platform official account. Finance verification triggers booking, loading and B/L handling.
5-15 days8
Destination Clearance and Collection
The buyer or clearing agent uses B/L, invoice, inspection report and related documents to clear customs, pay duties, register and collect the vehicle.
3-15 days2026 Compliance Notes
Rules to Confirm Before Exporting from China
Exporter Filing
Used-car exporters should follow commerce authority filing requirements and maintain quality traceability, after-sales and risk control systems.
180-Day Rule
If a vehicle has been registered for 180 days or less when applying for the export license, a manufacturer after-sales service confirmation is required.
Inspection and Quality Liability
Vehicles must meet export quality requirements; inspection reports, photos, videos, risk labels and after-sales obligations should be retained in the order record.
Payment Safety
Deposit and Balance Go Only to the Platform Official Account
Deposit
The deposit reserves the vehicle and starts inspection/export document preparation. The vehicle is locked only after finance verifies funds in the platform official account.
PI and Contract
The PI is one payment reference, but the vehicle purchase contract and platform escrow service agreement must be confirmed before payment.
Balance
The balance is normally paid to the platform official account after inspection and export documents are confirmed and before booking or B/L release.
Destination Import Checks
Every Country Is Different: Confirm Before Payment
Age Limit and Steering
Markets such as Kenya restrict vehicle age and require RHD; some countries restrict LHD or specific model years.
Inspection / PVoC / CoC
Destination countries may require pre-export conformity, roadworthiness or emissions certificates. Missing documents can cause penalties or re-export.
New Energy Vehicles
Confirm battery SOH, charging connector, UN38.3/MSDS, destination repair and spare-parts capability.
Tax Estimate
CIF is not the total landed cost; destination duties, VAT, port charges, clearance and local transport must be estimated separately.
Document Checklist
Core Documents for Export, Shipping and Clearance
| Document | Purpose | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice (PI) | States vehicle, FOB/CIF, service fees, deposit, balance, validity and payment reference. | After quote |
| Purchase Contract and Escrow Agreement | Defines buyer, platform and supplier responsibilities, refund rules, risk disclosure and delivery conditions. | Before payment |
| Inspection Report | Includes core inspection photos, video, VIN, odometer, risk conclusion and quality score. | After lock |
| Used-Car Export License | Applied for per vehicle by a compliant exporter and required for legal export. | Before customs |
| Commercial Invoice and Packing List | Used for China export declaration, destination clearance and tax calculation. | Before loading |
| Customs Declaration and B/L | The declaration proves China export filing; the B/L is the ocean freight title and release document. | After loading |
Timeline
Realistic Pace from Inquiry to Arrival
Inquiry / Quote1-3 days
Demand, CIF estimate and PI
Contract / Deposit1-5 days
Contract signing and official-account verification
Inspection / Documents3-10 days
Inspection report, license and customs materials
Booking / Loading5-15 days
Sailing schedule, loading photos and B/L draft
Ocean Freight15-45 days
Varies by route and port congestion
Clearance / Collection3-15 days
Destination duties, registration and pickup
Official References
- MOFCOM 2024 notice: exporter filing, quality assurance, after-sales service and dynamic management.
- MOFCOM 2024 Announcement No. 6: export license application and transfer registration for export.
- MOFCOM 2025 notice: vehicles registered for 180 days or less require a manufacturer after-sales service confirmation.
Destination Reminder
Countries such as Kenya clear vehicles under local CRSP, PVoC/CoC, age-limit and RHD rules; markets such as the UAE also publish technical requirements for used vehicle imports. Final duties and admissibility follow the latest destination customs, tax and standards notices.
Ready to Start a Safe Purchase?
Submit destination country, port, vehicle type and budget. The platform will prepare a compliant trade plan covering inspection, payment and export milestones.