A step-by-step checklist for buyers importing their first used car from China.
2 min read
1. Before you order 2. Getting your quote 3. Verification and payment 4. Shipping and arrival
If this is your first time importing a used car from China, here is the order of steps that keeps the process predictable — most delays happen when a step is skipped, not because the process itself is slow.
1. Confirm your country allows used car imports and check the age limit and duty rate on your market guide. 2. Decide whether all cars need to be LHD for your market — see are all the cars you export LHD? 3. Browse listings by brand or model and shortlist a vehicle.
4. Request a quote — see how do I get a price quote? 5. Decide FOB or CIF pricing — read FOB vs CIF explained. 6. Calculate your full total landed cost including destination duty.
7. Request inspection evidence — see can I inspect the car before it ships? 8. Confirm accepted payment methods and, ideally, stage payment against milestones.
9. Confirm your shipping method — container vs RoRo. 10. Track the shipping timeline — see our full timeline guide. 11. Confirm your export documents and whether customs clearance is handled for you. 12. Arrange local clearance and collection at your port.
Ready to start? See our full import guide or message us directly — see how to contact us.
