Used cars are classified under HS heading 8703 (motor vehicles for transport of persons), with the last four digits determined by engine type and size. Gasoline cars usually fall in 8703.21–8703.80 depending on displacement; pure EVs fall under 8703.80; hybrids have their own subheadings. The duty amount depends on your country's tariff schedule: 1. Most countries charge duty on the CIF value (car price + freight + insurance), not the FOB price. 2. Many developing markets levy higher duties on used vehicles than new ones, and some add a surcharge based on age — older cars can cost significantly more to clear. 3. After duty, you typically pay VAT/GST on the CIF + duty total, plus port and customs fees. Practical tips: ask your exporter to state the exact HS code on the commercial invoice and confirm it with a local customs broker before shipping. A wrong code can trigger reclassification, penalties, or delays. Also budget for any excise tax tied to engine capacity — in several markets a 2.5L car clears far cheaper than a 3.5L one.

It depends on the situation. If the video inspection reveals significant mechanical faults or structural damage not disclosed in the inspection report, the deposit will be refunded 100% unconditionally; however, if the buyer defaults for subjective reasons (such as suddenly not liking the color or financial issues), the deposit will be retained as compensation for taking the vehicle off the market.

A proper third-party inspection has four parts, and you should insist on all of them. 1. Lift inspection: the car goes on a hoist to examine the underbody, frame rails, suspension arms and oil pan for impact damage or leaks — areas no photo set can cover. 2. Paint thickness check: a gauge reading from every panel. Inconsistent or very high values reveal repainting; structural points like the A/B/C pillars matter most because they indicate accident repairs. 3. OBD diagnostics: fault codes and live data from the engine, transmission, ABS and airbag modules. Stored historical codes often tell the truth the dashboard hides. 4. Road test: cold and warm driving to check shifting, braking and unusual noises. The report should carry the VIN, inspection date and the agency's stamp or digital signature. It costs very little compared to the price of the car, and it filters out most problem vehicles before your money moves.