Customs clearance at destination is usually handled by a licensed customs broker, not the exporter. You can hire one yourself or use a broker recommended by your shipping agent. The typical flow: your broker files the import declaration using the documents the exporter must provide — the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and the certificate of origin. Depending on your country's rules, you will also need to pay import duty, VAT or sales tax, and any excise or environmental levies before the car is released. Things that commonly delay clearance: mismatched VIN numbers between documents, missing pre-shipment inspection certificates (required in some African and Middle Eastern countries), or non-compliance with your country's used-car import age limits. Budget 3–10 working days for clearance after the vessel arrives, plus storage fees if documents are incomplete. Tip: send all documents to your broker for review before the ship departs China — fixing errors at origin is much cheaper than demurrage at destination.

If there is a minor leak in the lines due to bumps, it is possible that the cooling may not work upon arrival. This is a normal physical loss. The cost of vacuuming, pressure testing, and recharging refrigerant at a local auto repair shop is low and is the buyer's responsibility.

A professional pre-purchase inspection in China normally covers five parts: exterior and interior condition, a lift inspection of the chassis and frame, engine bay checks, a road test, and OBD diagnostics. Prioritize the chassis rails and A/B/C pillars for cut-and-weld repairs, engine oil leaks and timing noises, transmission shift quality, and OBD fault codes — cleared codes leave telltale history data. For EVs, add battery pack casing, insulation values, and battery state of health (SOH). Insist on original timestamped photos with the VIN visible and a written conclusion such as 'fit for export' or 'major defects found.' A report that only says 'good condition' is not worth paying for.