How to import used cars from China

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

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

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 supply side is unusually deep. China's domestic market favours new cars and fast trade-in cycles, which means a steady stream of 1–5-year-old vehicles enters the used market every month — many with low mileage, full service records and original paint. This is also why nearly-new cars from China are cheaper than you expect. Both Chinese-brand and joint-venture models (Toyota, VW, Honda, Nissan) are available, covering everything from budget sedans to EVs and plug-in hybrids that are increasingly sought worldwide.

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). The most common trap is confusing model year with manufacture date — customs counts the latter.
Get a sourced offer. A professional exporter (like us) selects a vehicle that matches 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. The PI names the exact car by VIN — this is what makes the commitment concrete.
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 or RoRo depending on route and quantity — typically 2–4 sedans/SUVs per 40ft container.
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) from major Chinese ports (Nansha, Shenzhen, Ningbo and Shanghai): 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. For a full breakdown of every cost layer between the FOB quote and a car cleared at your port, see our total landed cost guide.

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 — see our full guide on how to pay safely and spot red flags.

Which models are exportable?

Almost any left-hand-drive vehicle registered in mainland China can be exported, but the practical sweet spot is models that combine strong demand abroad with good supply at home. Currently popular exports include the Toyota Corolla Cross (trusted Toyota nameplate, global parts), the Geely Emgrand (unbeatable value per dollar for fleet buyers), and a growing range of Chinese-brand EVs and hybrids. We publish model-specific buying guides as the market evolves — browse all guides to see what is covered.

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 — our landed cost guide walks through every line item.
Rushing because of price. A deal that is dramatically cheaper than everything else on the market, with pressure to pay fast, is the single biggest red flag in this trade. See how to spot scams before sending any money.

Ready to start?

Tell us the model, year range and destination — we search the market and reply within 24 hours with available options, photos and FOB pricing. Browse current stock or start a conversation on WhatsApp.

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 each used car is a one-of-one unit that can be sold to another buyer before you commit. 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.