Customs & Trade Compliance

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle registration certificate, chassis number / engine number certificate, vehicle export filing documents and driver qualifications. Some transit countries require a transit permit, and the vehicle must comply with the road traffic regulations of the transit country.

Inconsistency between the declared chassis number, engine number, vehicle model, kerb weight and cargo value and the actual vehicle; incorrect HS classification; and confusion between parts and complete vehicles in the declaration. All of these trigger inspection, document amendment and even penalties.

New-energy vehicles contain lithium batteries and are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods for international ocean freight. The following documents are required:(1) UN38.3 test report; (2) MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet); (3) cargo transport conditions appraisal report. Booking can be confirmed only after the carrier's review is passed. Batteries may not be removed; the vehicle's state of charge must be controlled as required; some carriers require the low-voltage battery to be disconnected to eliminate the risk of fire at sea.

LITHIUM ION BATTERIES, HS: 850760020 LITHIUM ION BATTERIES HS:850760020 For import into Malaysia, in addition to the invoice and packing list, a valid permit or approval document is required.

Declare under the HS code for the complete vehicle, with the commodity name "BEV bus (CKD)", and state in the remarks column: "Brand new; batteries and VIN not included." Recommendation: as understanding and requirements differ from one port customs office to another, consult the customs broker at the port of export before declaring.

Materials shipped with the vehicle must also be shown on the customs declaration and the bill of lading, and the terminal will measure them and include them in the ocean freight. At some ports, however, accessories may by default go undeclared. It is safer to verify with the customs broker at the port of export before declaring.