A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an official document stating where the vehicle was manufactured. For imports from China, it matters more than many buyers expect. First, customs value: many countries apply duty rates based on the country of manufacture, not where you bought the car. A CO proves the vehicle is Chinese-built, which determines the correct tariff line—skipping it can mean reassessment, fines, or seizure at destination. Second, trade agreements: some countries have preferential tariffs for Chinese goods that only apply with a valid CO. Request a CO issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or China Customs, not a self-printed form. Check that the VIN, engine number, and buyer details match your purchase documents exactly. Make receiving the CO a condition before your final payment, and keep the original—customs at destination will ask for it.

A proper inspection covers roughly 200 checkpoints in four areas: 1. Body and paint: panel gaps, paint thickness readings, signs of accident repair. 2. Mechanical: engine health report, transmission behavior, suspension, underbody on a lift, fluid condition. 3. Electronics: full OBD diagnostic scan, airbag history, all lights and comfort features. 4. Documentation: VIN matches everywhere, no lien or seizure record. You can book directly with inspection companies in Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Tianjin (typically USD 100–250) without going through the seller—give them the yard address and car details, and they send a report with photos and video within 1–2 days. Pay the inspection fee yourself so the inspector answers to you, not the exporter.

Changes must be requested before the shipping cut-off date (SI Cut-off Date) prior to the vessel's departure. Once the vessel has sailed, the shipping company will charge a high amendment fee, which may also cause delays in customs clearance at the destination port, with costs borne by the buyer.