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Product Compliance
International Shipping
Customs & Trade Compliance

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106. 7 mandatory declaration elements for vehicle export clearance?

1. Vehicle brand and model; 2. Engine type (diesel, petrol, electric motor, etc.); 3. Number of seats; 4. Whether supplied as a complete set of parts (CKD); 5. Whether it is a China-market-spec vehicle; 6. Whether new or used; 7. Battery capacity.In particular, the commodity code, engine type and model must be consistent with the content of the export licence, and the VIN must be exact. Take care to distinguish the letter "O" from the digit "0" and the letter "I" from the digit "1", so that character confusion does not hold up clearance.

105. How to get a vehicle export licence and what application conditions apply?

Apply for the export licence through the Ministry of Commerce system or the relevant platform (used vehicles follow a "one licence per consignment" rule; new and new-energy vehicles are applied for annually or per batch). Ensure that the licence details match the vehicle's VIN, model and year exactly. The conditions are as follows: 1. A company engaged in vehicle export must hold lawful business qualifications; used-vehicle exporters must additionally meet the market-entry standards of the local competent authority and complete filing.2. The information declared on the export licence must be consistent with the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate; the registration date, transfer registration date and similar details must be fully and accurately entered on the licence annex. 3. The commodity code on the export licence must correspond to the actual vehicle. Different vehicle types, engine displacements and engine types carry different commodity codes; the correct code for that vehicle must be used when applying.

104. What preparations are needed for clearance once the vehicle arrives at the destination port?

On arrival, the importer in the destination country or its customs broker must complete clearance with the local customs authority, submitting the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, vehicle documentation and the certification required by the destination country (e.g. PVOC/COC).

103. Which documents are essential for the customs declaration of vehicle exports?

The customs declaration form, export licence, commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, bill of lading and customs brokerage authorisation; the vehicle conformity certificate and chassis number certificate. Where the goods fall within the licensing scope, an export licence must be obtained; loading and shipment may proceed only after customs has reviewed the documents and released the goods following inspection.

102. What are the main international transport modes for vehicle exports?

The mode is chosen according to vehicle quantity, value and destination. For large volumes of new or used vehicles, RO-RO is the first choice (lowest cost, least damage). For small volumes, high-value units or new-energy vehicles (which must be declared as dangerous goods), container shipping is used. For neighbouring countries such as Russia and Central Asia, the China-Europe Railway Express or overland transport is an option.

101. What documents must be prepared for vehicle exports?

Document preparation: assemble the complete export document set, including the foreign trade contract, commercial invoice, packing list, export licence, inspection report, motor vehicle registration certificate / conformity certificate, and certificate of origin.

100. Used vehicle export: process and qualification requirements?

Used-vehicle export process: domestic purchase, transfer of ownership and verification, third-party inspection, reconditioning and repair, file compilation, application for the used-vehicle export licence, customs declaration and export, overseas clearance. Used-vehicle exports require qualification as an export pilot enterprise recognised by the local commerce department; individuals cannot export used vehicles directly. New-vehicle exports likewise require the qualification of a vehicle manufacturer or an authorised foreign-trade exporter; without such qualification, normal customs declaration is not possible.

99. What qualifications and documents does a Chinese company need to export used vehicles?

The exporting company must hold used-vehicle export filing qualification and must apply for a used-vehicle export licence; it must provide the motor vehicle registration certificate and a vehicle condition inspection report. The VIN and vehicle details must match the licence exactly. Exporting new vehicles disguised as used vehicles is prohibited.

98. What is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and how can it be verified?

The Vehicle Identification Number, commonly called the chassis number, consists of 17 letters and digits; it is unique and never repeated. Main ways to verify the VIN: 1. Nameplate: the metal plate on the bus body door frame, in the engine bay or on the chassis frame (most common); 2. Vehicle registration certificate / motor vehicle registration certificate (the "big green book"), on which the VIN is printed directly; 3. The vehicle conformity certificate and factory certificate also bear the VIN.

97. Typical insurance for international vehicle shipping and required claim documents?

We recommend All Risks cover for ocean cargo. A claim requires the insurance policy, bill of lading / RO-RO waybill, photographs of the damage, invoice and survey report. Ensure that the cover extends across the whole process: loading, ocean voyage and discharge.

96. For RO-RO transport of vehicles, what should be noted regarding packaging and securing?

Fuel level must be controlled in line with the carrier's requirements; the parking brake must be applied and the wheels chocked; the body should be covered with protective film to prevent salt-water corrosion and scratches; glass and mirrors must be protected.

95. What is the difference between break-bulk shipping and RO-RO shipping for vehicles?

RO-RO: the bus is driven aboard under its own power, giving high loading and discharge efficiency. Break-bulk: the bus must be lifted by crane and requires securing and reinforcement; this is mostly used for destination ports without RO-RO facilities and carries relatively higher risk.

94. Can complete vehicles be shipped in containers? What are the limitations?

Yes. 40HQ open-top or flat-rack containers are normally used. The internal container dimensions limit this to small buses; large buses exceed the height and width limits, cannot be containerised, and must go by RO-RO or break-bulk.

93. Mandatory tests & certifications for vehicle exports: customs and destination country?

China customs verifies the proof of compliant factory release. Destination countries generally require local vehicle certification (such as E-mark, DOT); the lack of such certification prevents clearance at the destination port and may even lead to return of the cargo.