The exterior paint is well-maintained; the body structure shows no signs of repair or major accidents. The interior is clean and tidy. Safety indicator lights are normal; passive safety features such as airbags are in good working order; all electronic components are functioning properly; and both static and dynamic equipment are complete. Driving the vehicle is smooth and efficient, with no issues with ignition, starting, acceleration, cornering, deceleration, or braking. Acceleration is rapid, and power output is smooth and comfortable, with no idling vibration. Overall, the vehicle's condition is fair. The body frame structure shows no deformation or twisting, and there are no signs of fire or water damage. There are signs of repainting, but the overall paint is in good condition, ruling out major accidents. It offers good visibility, a spacious, bright, and well-ventilated interior, making it suitable for family use.
We conduct basic visual inspections and freezing point tests. If the antifreeze's freezing point is insufficient or the engine oil is severely degraded, we will document it. However, considering the shipping duration, we strongly recommend a comprehensive "Full Fluid Service" upon arrival.
Start with the paperwork: the vehicle registration certificate lists every ownership transfer, and the service book plus dealer maintenance records help confirm mileage. For digital verification, ask the seller for a live video walkaround plus a diagnostic scan report showing the ECU-recorded mileage, which is hard to manipulate. For EVs, request a battery state-of-health (SOH) report — it reveals real usage patterns far better than the odometer. Finally, a pre-shipment inspection by a third party should include structural checks (pillars, chassis rails) to rule out accident repairs. Build "no major accident, no flood or fire damage" into your purchase contract with a refund clause if the inspection contradicts it.
A Certificate of Origin (C/O) is an official document stating where the vehicle was manufactured. Customs authorities use it to decide which tariff rates and trade agreements apply to your import. Why it matters: many countries offer preferential tariffs for certain origins. With a valid C/O, such as the ASEAN-China Form E or a GSP Form A, you may pay reduced or zero duty. Without it, you typically pay the standard, higher rate. The certificate must match the vehicle exactly: VIN, make, model and invoice details. It is usually issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or customs authorities. Practical tips: request the C/O before shipment, because adding it later is slow; check that your country's customs accepts the specific C/O format; and confirm with your broker whether your vehicle category qualifies for preferential rates. This single document can save you thousands in duty.
