Do imported cars have a certificate of conformity?
4 Answers
Imported cars do have a certificate of conformity, which is another important document for the vehicle and is essential for registration. Only cars with a certificate of conformity meet the national requirements for motor vehicle equipment quality and related standards. The number on the certificate must match the engine number and chassis number on the vehicle. You can compare the date and engine number on the certificate with those on the vehicle, but this is not absolute—it only indicates that the vehicle may be newly produced, not necessarily brand new. The chassis number is the VIN code, which is more like the body number and matches the entire vehicle. The engine number is the serial number of the engine itself.
I just bought an imported car, and it absolutely has a certificate of conformity. Chinese customs and quality inspection authorities strictly require all imported vehicles to obtain CCC certification before they can be sold. That certification is equivalent to a certificate of conformity. Without it, the car simply cannot be registered at the traffic management office, and you won’t pass insurance purchase or annual inspections. I remember when buying the car, the dealer had to provide a copy of the certificate of conformity for me to verify the vehicle model and identification number; otherwise, there might be a risk of fraud. When buying an imported car, it’s best to personally check that all documents are complete before making payment to avoid a lot of trouble later, especially with used cars—be extra careful about missing certificates.
I've been in the car sales industry for many years. Imported vehicles definitely come with certificates of conformity, which is a mandatory requirement under Chinese regulations, known as CCC certification. Every imported vehicle undergoes strict inspection upon customs clearance, and dealers must complete all documentation before sales; otherwise, the vehicle cannot be registered. I would advise buyers to request to see the original certificate of conformity before signing the contract and verify that the VIN matches, as encountering smuggled or modified vehicles can be very risky. These documents are also useful for routine maintenance, so it's essential to keep copies on hand.
As an auto repair technician, imported vehicles must have a certificate of conformity to prove they meet safety standards, which I always check during repairs. CCC certification is crucial—without it, the car may have electrical issues or exceed emission limits. Buyers should personally verify the manufacturer details and vehicle identification number on the documents to avoid purchasing cloned vehicles. If suspicious situations arise, simply scan the code for verification at an authorized dealership or inspection station—it's straightforward.
