From the Chinese seller, expect these documents: 1. Vehicle registration certificate (the green book) 2. Driving license/registration card for the vehicle 3. Commercial invoice and sales contract 4. Export declaration documents (packing list, declaration forms handled by their forwarder) 5. Bill of lading, issued once the car is on the vessel You prepare on your side: 1. Import permit or approval, if your country requires one 2. Proof of compliance - emissions, safety, or type-approval certificates your customs authority asks for 3. Bill of lading release documents (original B/L or telex release) 4. Customs declaration through your broker, with your tax ID 5. Payment records - keep the bank transfer receipt, as some customs offices verify the declared value Practical tips: insist the seller removes any lien from the green book before export; verify the VIN on all documents matches the physical car; and confirm your country's age/emissions limits before paying a deposit, not after.

China has centralized vehicle records you can check remotely before paying anything. Ask the exporter for the 17-digit VIN, then request two reports. First, the maintenance history: third-party platforms pull 4S dealership records showing service dates, mileage and repair items. A mileage line that goes down over time is a red flag for odometer tampering. Second, the insurance claim history: it lists accident dates, claim amounts and repaired parts. Heavy claims involving frame rails or airbags should end the deal. Practical tips: run the reports yourself instead of accepting screenshots from the seller, make sure the report date is close to the delivery date, and cross-check with physical wear such as the steering wheel, pedals and seat bolsters, which cannot lie about high mileage. Keep in mind that small private repairs never enter these databases, so combine history checks with a physical inspection before shipping.

Our freight rate quotes have a clear validity period. If the buyer delays the deposit payment and misses the scheduled price lock, the GRI (General Rate Increase) charged by the shipping company must be fully covered by the buyer before booking and loading can be arranged.