Importing a used car from China for the first time? This is the condensed playbook based on 1,500+ shipments we have completed. Sequenced, with costs and timelines.

Step 1 — Identify your destination requirements

Before you even browse inventory, know your country's rules: left-hand drive only or RHD allowed, maximum vehicle age, emissions standard, mandatory pre-shipment inspection schemes (KEBS for Kenya, SONCAP for Nigeria, GCC specs for the Gulf). Get this wrong and the car cannot legally clear customs.

Step 2 — Source through a registered exporter

Choose a Chinese exporter with: MOFCOM export licence, CCIC partnership, MTU verifiable business registration, and a verifiable track record in your destination country. Ask for two reference customers in your region. We provide ours on request.

Step 3 — Get a written quote

A proper quote includes FOB price, shipping line and route, container type, all documents bundled, deposit terms and balance terms. Reject any quote that does not specify the loading port (Tianjin, Shanghai etc.) and the seller's bank.

Step 4 — Sign the contract and pay the deposit

30% deposit via T/T is industry standard. Larger orders use L/C. Always verify the receiving bank account belongs to the company name on the contract.

Step 5 — Inspection and final payment

CCIC inspection completes within 3 business days. You receive the report and 30+ photos before paying the balance. If anything material differs from the listing, negotiate or walk away.

Step 6 — Loading, customs, vessel departure

Loading photos are sent the same day. Customs declaration filed by the seller. Bill of Lading issued 2–3 days after vessel departure.

Step 7 — Track the vessel and prepare destination clearance

Use MarineTraffic with the vessel name. Brief your destination customs broker 2 weeks before arrival.

Step 8 — Clear customs, take delivery

Present B/L, CCIC certificate, CO at destination. Pay duties. Vehicle is released and trucked to you. Total elapsed time: 25–60 days depending on origin/destination pair.

Conclusion

There is no shortcut. The 8 steps are the same whether you buy 1 car or 50. Following them in order, with a registered exporter, brings the failure rate below 1%.