Bringing in pre-owned cars from Chinese suppliers is managed with care, getting around nation-level export and import bureaus. China has of late made inroads as a major automotive export market, best known for the production and sale of new vehicles — but it too is adding an important used car dimension. Importation of used cars presents a chance for significant savings in the cost and availability of many models, but good preparation is necessary in order to handle their logistics.
One of the initial step requires detecting reliable suppliers or platforms for used cars from China. For example, sites like Autocango are made with the export of used cars China for webmasters who want to find stock listings in great detail. Such platforms generally list the car’s age, mileage, engine info and potential add-ons. The availability of Chinese used cars has been highlighted by several market reports: for example, according to China Daily, its second-hand car sales exceeded 17 mln units in the country last year.
After a supplier is chosen, check the state and historic past of their car Make sure to ask for a detailed inspection report and get your hand on the vehicle history records. These reports usually include accidents, maintenance records and odometer numbers Buyers should buy cars less than five years, and a vehicle that has traveled fewer than 100,000 kilometers for it to stand on the watchlist of reliable vehicles with reduced chances of breaking down or sending costly repairs. Now also, many platforms offer the service of third-party inspection which brings an enormous sigh of relief.
It is important to know the export and import regulations. When it comes to exporting from China, there are certain national export laws that have to be complied with not just on the local level but also ensuring proper licensing and customs clearance for each vehicle. Buyers, on the import side meanwhile need to ensure that these vehicles are up to their home country’s vehicle safety and emissions standards. Countries in the European Union and North America, for example, each have stringent emission requirements that could require vehicle changes before being allowed into their respective markets. Any non-compliance to these standards could lead to further charges and ultimately the vehicles could be refused entry. The International Trade Administration actually states as high costs for 20% or more of the vehicle’s cost being dedicated to modifications required specifically by regulation.
Background The logistics of shipping is a major component to the import. Used car shipping in China is done via two main methods, which are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels and container hauling. RoRo, the cheaper of two methods costs between $1,200 to $2.500 per car (port of arrival) Container shipping adds an extra level of safety, particularly for higher value automobiles, however prices can vary from between $2500 to $5000. The choice of the optimal transportation method will be determined by how much you are willing to spend, the value of your car and if there is necessary infrastructure for that transport mean at said import destination.
What this also means is that tariffs and taxes are important. 1 Import duties, VAT & Local Registration charges could reduce the savings significantly. For example, many African countries impose tariffs as high as 30% on imported vehicles (which impacts the trade) or lower rates for certain vehicle types or eco-friendly models such as electric cars. You should research these costs in advance so that you can properly calculate how much it will cost to import used cars from China.
Most importers prefer to hire export agents or freight forwarder whose work is directed on automotive logistics. These professional take care of everything from negotiating with suppliers to dealing customs paperwork and scheduling shipments. In the words of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba: “In business, mutual trust is an invaluable commodity. Using seasoned agents helps to enable smoother transactions and lowered chances of delays or issues.
You want vehicles that will have a strong resale value in your market. Understanding what people want in your market will help you get the highest return for scrap cars by choosing popular makes and models. Mid-size SUVs and compact sedans have traction in many emerging markets, electric vehicles are compelling buyers with heightened environmental awareness in developed regions—and both represent areas of opportunity among the forthcoming deluge of EV startups.
China Import: After all the requirements and completion of documentation now you need to way for a delivery while buying Chinese cars. With platforms like Autocango for example, you can browse thousands of vehicles and trusted agents will know how to deal with both the complexities of international shipping as well as compliance. With these steps, importers are enabled to benefit from the rapidly increasing used car market in China while having lower risks and higher revenues.