The standard set is: 1. Commercial invoice and sales contract - issued by the exporter; the basis for customs valuation. 2. Packing list - exporter; details the vehicle and any spare parts shipped with it. 3. Bill of lading - issued by the shipping line; your proof of ownership of the cargo. Never pay the full balance before receiving at least a copy of it. 4. Certificate of origin - issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT); some countries require it for preferential duty rates. 5. Export customs declaration - Chinese customs; confirms the car was legally exported. 6. Pre-shipment inspection report - issued by companies like Intertek, SGS or the EAA scheme, if your country mandates it. Ask the exporter for scanned copies of all documents before shipping so you or your broker can verify completeness.

Battery condition is the single most important — and most expensive — variable in a used EV. Ask for a State of Health (SOH) report: in China, dealers and authorized service centers can read it via the manufacturer diagnostic system. It shows remaining capacity as a percentage of the original. Rule of thumb: above 90% is excellent, 85-90% is acceptable for the price, below 80% needs a serious price cut or battery refurbishment. Also get the battery's full charge and discharge history (次数) — a 3-year-old car with 800 fast-charge cycles has lived a harder life than one with 200. Physically, inspect the battery pack enclosure on a lift for dents, corrosion, or coolant leaks. Check that DC fast charging works during a test charge. Finally, verify the battery is not covered by an open recall or replacement program — this is both a risk and sometimes a free upgrade.

Handling claims with an overseas exporter works best when expectations are set before payment. Prevention: put the inspection standard, photo/video evidence requirements, and a dispute clause into the sales contract. Keep all chat records and payment receipts. Typical process if issues arise: 1) Notify the exporter within 48-72 hours of delivery with photos/videos as evidence. 2) Most disputes fall into two buckets: shipping damage (handled via marine insurance — this is why insurance matters) or undisclosed mechanical defects (handled per contract, often via partial refund, spare parts, or repair cost sharing). Realistic expectations: exporters rarely accept returns, so negotiate compensation instead. A reputable company will usually cover reasonable repair costs for defects confirmed to pre-exist shipment. Tip: for higher-value cars, hire a local third-party inspection at destination as final evidence — it strengthens any claim significantly.