A normal transaction moves through six stages. First, selection and verification: you shortlist cars, request VIN-level documents, and order an independent inspection (1-2 weeks). Second, contract signing and deposit: 10-30% is standard, paid against a signed contract listing the VIN and agreed spec. Third, export preparation: the seller handles deregistration and export licensing (1-3 weeks). Fourth, final payment against loading: pay the balance only after you receive the bill of lading or rail waybill number you can track. Fifth, transit: ocean shipping to most ports takes 3-6 weeks, rail to Central Asia or Europe 2-4 weeks. Sixth, destination clearance and registration: allow 1-2 weeks plus buffer for inspections. In total, plan for 2-4 months door to door. Any exporter promising full delivery in under six weeks is likely cutting corners on export paperwork.

This is considered a force majeure risk. We will require the vehicle's state of charge (SOC) to be maintained in a safe dormant range of 30%-50% before loading, and we will insure you for all marine risks under CIF terms. If the battery suffers thermal runaway total loss due to abnormal cargo hold temperatures, the insurance company will compensate.

To ensure the legal rights of both parties, the "International Used Car Sales Contract" we signed is in both Chinese and English. Generally, the contract is governed by Chinese law. All liabilities for breach of contract and force majeure clauses will be clearly defined in the contract.