The battery pack is 30–50% of an EV's value, so its inspection should be the most detailed part of the pre-shipment check. Require these items: 1. BMS data readout: state of health (SOH), full-charge voltage, cell voltage deviation, cycle count, and fast-charging percentage. SOH above 90% is good; below 80% means a costly pack replacement is approaching. 2. Physical inspection: check the underbody for pack dents, coolant leaks from the battery cooling circuit, and corrosion on high-voltage connectors. 3. Range test: a real drive of at least 30–50 km, comparing energy consumption against the rated figure. A pack with poor cells overheats and depletes fast. 4. Charging test: verify both AC and DC charging work, and record charging speed and any error messages. Get the raw diagnostic data, not just a summary. If the inspector won't share the BMS report, assume the battery is the reason why.

Rules differ by country. Many markets limit the age of imported used cars (commonly 3-5 years), require left-hand drive, and set minimum emission standards such as Euro 4, 5 or 6. Some regions additionally require a local conformity certificate before the car arrives. Practical steps before any deposit: check your customs authority's official website, or spend 20 minutes with a local customs broker who imports vehicles regularly; give the exporter your country's requirements and the VIN, and ask for proof of the car's emission level (China's standards map roughly to Euro equivalents); confirm the exact model was legally exportable from China. A short verification call at the start can prevent the car being refused entry — or impounded — months later.

Most exporters offer a limited warranty of 30 to 90 days covering major mechanical failures (engine, gearbox, electric motor), but only if you can prove the fault existed before shipment. Cosmetic issues, wear-and-tear parts (brakes, tires, clutch) and damage caused by improper local maintenance are almost always excluded. What is realistic to claim: · Engine or transmission failure confirmed by a licensed workshop within the warranty window, with a diagnostic report. · Undeclared accident or flood damage discovered after arrival (strongest case, keep the inspection report and photos). How to protect yourself: 1. Get the warranty terms written into the contract, including claim procedure and response time. 2. Have the car inspected locally immediately upon arrival and keep all records. 3. Communicate claims in writing (email) with photos and reports attached. Treat the warranty as a backup, not the main protection. A thorough pre-shipment third-party inspection matters far more than a paper warranty.