Used cars are classified under HS heading 8703 (motor vehicles for transport of persons), with the last four digits determined by engine type and size. Gasoline cars usually fall in 8703.21–8703.80 depending on displacement; pure EVs fall under 8703.80; hybrids have their own subheadings. The duty amount depends on your country's tariff schedule: 1. Most countries charge duty on the CIF value (car price + freight + insurance), not the FOB price. 2. Many developing markets levy higher duties on used vehicles than new ones, and some add a surcharge based on age — older cars can cost significantly more to clear. 3. After duty, you typically pay VAT/GST on the CIF + duty total, plus port and customs fees. Practical tips: ask your exporter to state the exact HS code on the commercial invoice and confirm it with a local customs broker before shipping. A wrong code can trigger reclassification, penalties, or delays. Also budget for any excise tax tied to engine capacity — in several markets a 2.5L car clears far cheaper than a 3.5L one.

If the delays are due to policy-related force majeure like customs system upgrades, or if our documentation errors lead to short shipments, all additional demurrage and storage fees incurred at ports within China will be borne by sellwellauto, and the buyer will not have to pay a cent.

Unlike new car exports, there are currently no large national export tax rebates for used cars in China. Therefore, our FOB price is purely the vehicle's residual value plus compliant operating costs, leaving no room for price wars using subsidies.