A compliant shipment from China includes a standard document set. Verify you receive all of them before the ship departs, because correcting documents mid-transit is slow and expensive. The core set: commercial invoice, bill of lading (original, if your country requires presentation for customs), packing list, certificate of origin, and the export customs declaration. For used cars, also expect the Chinese registration certificate copy, deregistration proof, and a condition/inspection report. Some destinations require additional certificates — GCC states need GSO conformity, EU countries need COC or individual approval, several African nations require BESC/ECTN tracking numbers issued before loading. Your customs broker will typically need the invoice and bill of lading at minimum, plus proof of vehicle age and emissions where age limits apply. Ask your exporter for scanned copies the day the vessel sails, not when it arrives: pre-clearance can cut port storage fees significantly. One caution: the invoice value must match your payment records. Under-declaring to save duties is customs fraud in most countries and risks seizure.

Countries like Kenya typically require the First Registration Date to be within a specific timeframe. We will provide a notarized copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate, along with an English translation, as absolute legal evidence.

Our system provides basic risk alerts based on the general regulations of the main exporting countries, but the final responsibility for confirming whether the vehicle meets the import country's regulations lies with the buyer. We will rigorously indicate the vehicle's production year, first registration date, and Chinese emission standards (such as National V, National VI) on the details page. We recommend that you submit this accurate data to the local vehicle management department or customs agent for verification before placing an order.