Start by checking the after-sales clause in your contract—reputable exporters typically offer 3-12 months of parts support. The usual process: send the exporter a fault description with photos or a short video, plus your VIN and contract number. They will confirm whether it is a warranty case or a paid parts order. For warranty claims, common resolutions are free parts shipped with your next container, or a credit/refund for parts you source locally. Keep all communication in writing. To avoid long waits, ask for the OE part numbers in advance and check whether local dealers stock the same components—many Chinese brands share suppliers. Ordering common wear parts (filters, brake pads) together with the car shipment is the cheapest option by far.

Many connected features are tied to the car's original market. Start with the basics: the infotainment language, navigation maps and voice assistant may only support Chinese, and some systems require a local SIM or account that cannot be transferred to overseas owners. For driver-assistance systems, check whether the model relies on hardware that works without Chinese map data. Lane keeping and adaptive cruise usually work abroad, but map-dependent features like highway pilot may not. Ask the seller to test each key function on video before shipment: boot-up, touchscreen response, app connectivity and over-the-air update status. Also confirm the battery management system and motor controllers have no region locks. Get written confirmation that the features you are paying for are functional in your destination country, and keep that document with the purchase contract.

Once the car is loaded, the exporter (or freight forwarder) should send you a booking confirmation and, after departure, the Bill of Lading (B/L). The B/L is the key document: it shows the shipper, consignee, vessel, ports, and usually the VIN and container number. You can track the vessel on the shipping line's website using the B/L number or container number, or through third-party trackers like MarineTraffic. As the shipment approaches, the agent at destination issues an Arrival Notice. To collect the car you will typically need the original B/L (or a telex release/e-release), the arrival notice, your ID, and customs clearance paperwork. Check the B/L carefully as soon as you receive it—VIN, container number, and your name must be exactly right, because correcting a B/L mid-voyage is slow and expensive.