Global Vehicle Export from China: Complete FAQ Guide for International Buyers

This article will be continuously updated as policies, logistics, and market conditions evolve.

Importing cars from China has become increasingly popular among global buyers, dealers, and fleet operators. From electric vehicles (EVs) to high-quality used cars, China offers competitive pricing, strong manufacturing, and a mature export ecosystem.

This FAQ-style guide answers the most common questions international buyers ask about vehicle export from China, covering legality, pricing, shipping, documentation, and after-sales support.

Can I buy new cars from China for export?

Due to updated Chinese export regulations announced in November, starting from 2026 only used vehicles will be eligible for export licenses. New vehicles will no longer receive export permits.

That said, China has a large supply of low-mileage, high-quality used vehicles, including electric cars, hybrids, and gasoline models. Many are in near-new condition and provide excellent value for overseas buyers.

Do you ship vehicles worldwide?

Yes. Vehicles can be exported from China to most countries worldwide, provided that local import regulations allow it and the buyer covers international shipping costs.

Shipping options and costs depend on:

1. Destination country and port
2. Vehicle type (EV, hybrid, or gasoline)
3. Shipping method (RoRo or container)

How long does it take to export and ship a car from China?

The typical timeline for exporting a car from China is:

• Vehicle sourcing and purchase: around 1 week

• Export procedures and documentation: 1–2 weeks

• Sea transportation: 30–50 days

In total, most buyers receive their vehicles within 40–60 days.

What is the vehicle buying process when working with a Chinese exporter?

A professional export company handles most of the process in China, including:

1. Vehicle sourcing and inspection

2. Purchase and ownership transfer

3. Export license application and compliance checks

4. International shipping arrangements

Buyers are usually responsible only for import customs clearance and registration in their own country.

Do I need to travel to China to buy a car?

No. Most international buyers complete the entire process remotely through online communication, video inspections, and digital documentation.

If you choose to visit China, you only need a valid Chinese visa. We can assist with local payments, registration, and export licensing.

What type of Chinese visa is recommended for car buyers?

For buyers who plan to visit China for vehicle sourcing or inspection, an M Visa (Business Visa) is recommended.

If required, a Chinese company invitation letter can usually be provided to support the visa application.

What payment methods are used for importing cars from China?

International buyers typically use bank wire transfers (T/T) for vehicle purchases.

Cryptocurrency payments are currently not legally accepted in mainland China, and credit cards are not recommended for large transactions due to high fees and rejection risks.

What emission standards do Chinese vehicles meet?

Most Chinese vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, comply with China National VI emission standards, which are generally stricter than EU Euro 6 standards.

Vehicles are issued official emission compliance certificates at the factory, which can be provided to buyers if required.

Are Chinese vehicle headlights compatible with my country?

Chinese vehicles use asymmetrical low-beam headlights:

1. Left side beam: lower
2. Right side beam: higher

This setup is compatible with left-hand traffic countries. For right-hand traffic countries, headlights may need replacement during inspection—a standard and relatively simple process.

Can the infotainment system language be changed?

Language availability depends on the vehicle model. Some Chinese cars support multiple languages, while others are Chinese-only.

For individual buyers, language modification is usually not recommended due to cost and technical risk. For fleet or bulk buyers, exporters may help source technical solutions or suggest alternative models.

What documents are required for exporting electric vehicles from China?

Electric and hybrid vehicles require additional safety documentation for international shipping, including:

1. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
2. UN38.3 battery transportation test report

These documents can be provided by professional exporters as part of the shipping process.

Can you provide a Certificate of Origin and ownership documents?

Yes. A Certificate of Origin can usually be provided free of charge.

Ownership certificates can be supplied as copies. If original documents are required, this must be requested in advance, as originals are often retained by authorities during export procedures.

Why is shipping an electric vehicle more expensive than a gasoline car?

Electric vehicles are classified as dangerous goods due to built-in batteries. This requires:

1. Additional safety documentation
2. Extra supervision during loading and shipping

As a result, shipping an EV typically costs USD 300–500 more per vehicle than shipping a gasoline car.

Should I import an electric car or a gasoline car from China?

Many countries offer incentives such as lower import taxes or registration benefits for electric vehicles.

However, in regions with limited charging infrastructure, gasoline or hybrid vehicles may be more practical. Buyers should compare total landed cost, including purchase price, shipping, taxes, and long-term operating costs.

Do I need a COC certificate to import used Chinese cars into the EU?

No. Used vehicles imported from China into EU countries do not use COC certificates.

Instead, buyers must complete individual vehicle approval in their destination country.

Why is real-world EV range lower than the advertised range?

A lower real-world driving range does not necessarily indicate battery failure. Range is influenced by:

1. Ambient temperature
2. Vehicle age and battery degradation
3. Driving speed and conditions
4. Air conditioning and onboard systems

A battery health check at a local service center can provide additional reassurance.

What if I lose my car key after import?

Lost keys are usually easy to replace:

1. Try a local repair shop first

2. If unavailable, the exporter can help source an original key from China

3. Key programming can be completed locally, with remote technical support if needed

Final Notes

This FAQ guide will be continuously updated as vehicle export policies, logistics rules, and international regulations change.

If you are planning to import electric vehicles or used cars from China, working with a professional exporter can help reduce risks, control costs, and ensure compliance at every step.