Vehicles sold domestically in China only have the "Environmental Information List" and the "Vehicle Qualification Certificate," which are not the COC of the European system. We will provide a notarized English translation of the Chinese qualification certificate. If local customs strictly require the original European COC, the vehicle will not be able to clear customs.

Vetting takes a day and can save you thousands. Work through this checklist. Verify the business: ask for the company registration number and check it on China's National Enterprise Credit Information system or a commercial registry tool. Confirm the registered address matches where they claim to operate, and that their business scope includes vehicle export. Check export credentials: they must hold a used-vehicle export license issued by Chinese commerce authorities. Ask for the license and a recent export declaration showing they actually ship cars. Test their knowledge: a real exporter answers detailed questions about your destination country's import rules (age limits, left/right-hand drive, emission standards) without hesitation. Vague answers about your own country's requirements are a red flag. Structure payments safely: small deposit (10-20%), balance only against inspection reports and shipping documents, ideally through a payment method with recourse. Refuse full prepayment by irreversible transfer—no legitimate exporter requires it.

A typical safe flow looks like this: 1. Sourcing: you pick a car from listings; the exporter confirms availability, sends photos, video and a condition report. 2. Contract: a written sales contract stating VIN, price, included costs, inspection standards and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). 3. Deposit: usually 10–30% after you or a third party verify the car. Pay to a company account, never personal. 4. Inspection: independent pre-shipment inspection; you approve the report before shipping. 5. Balance payment: due before shipment, against copy of the bill of lading. 6. Shipping and documents: exporter sends original documents by courier; you track the vessel. 7. Arrival: your customs agent clears the car, you pay duties and collect it. Timeline: typically 3–8 weeks from deposit to arrival, depending on route. Any exporter pushing for 100% upfront payment should be treated as a red flag.