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.

Parts availability depends on the brand's official presence in your market, but even unsupported brands can be maintained through direct ordering. Check three channels first: the brand's official dealer network (if any), third-party importers who specialize in Chinese auto parts, and generic equivalents. For wear items like brake pads, filters, and wipers, aftermarket suppliers usually stock cross-references by VIN. For model-specific parts — headlights, sensors, control modules — order directly from China. Ask your exporter for the parts catalog by VIN, confirm OEM part numbers, and compare prices. A turbocharger that costs $900 from a local dealer often ships from China for $350 plus $80 freight. Practical tips: bundle multiple parts into one shipment to amortize freight; ask for DDP (delivered duty paid) pricing so customs clearance is handled; and always verify part numbers against your VIN before paying, as Chinese models have running changes mid-year. Keep a small stock of common wear parts — oil filters, air filters, spark plugs — to avoid a 4-6 week wait for routine maintenance.

If the buyer's country is under international sanctions, or if the buyer fails to provide a legitimate source of funds leading to the bank returning the payment, all transfer fees and exchange rate losses incurred during this period are to be borne entirely by the buyer.