How to License a Parallel Imported Vehicle?
2 Answers
To license a parallel imported vehicle, you need the customs declaration form, the vehicle inspection report, and the 3C certification. Prepare all the required documents and submit them to the vehicle management office. Below are the specific advantages of parallel imported vehicles: 1. Price advantage: Parallel imported vehicles eliminate many intermediate steps. Additionally, parallel import dealers are not restricted by manufacturers in pricing, offering greater flexibility, which results in significant price discounts. Typically, parallel imported vehicles are 10% to 20% cheaper than their China-spec counterparts. 2. Model and delivery time advantage: When new vehicles are launched overseas, they may not be immediately available in China due to manufacturers' strategic plans or domestic certification processes. However, as parallel imported vehicles, they can be freely purchased overseas and then shipped to China for sale, significantly reducing the waiting time for new models. 3. More diverse models and configurations: You can purchase overseas models that are not available in China. Generally, to align with the Chinese market positioning strategy, manufacturers make certain adjustments and modifications when importing overseas models to China.
I once bought a parallel-imported car, and the registration process was quite a hassle. First, I had to complete the import procedures, such as obtaining the customs declaration and inspection report from a legitimate importer, and paying tariffs and VAT—these documents were essential for registration. Once the car arrived in the country, I had to promptly undergo an environmental inspection to ensure it met the China 6 emission standards. Some cars got stuck due to excessive emissions, and I had to wait two weeks before passing. Then, I went to the DMV with my ID, insurance policy, invoice, and these import documents. During the vehicle inspection, they rigorously checked the VIN and overall vehicle consistency, much stricter than with official imports. The whole process took about a month. The key was finding a reliable agent to handle the legwork, avoiding mistakes and rework. The advantage was the significantly lower price, but spare parts for repairs could be hard to find, so it’s best to stock up in advance.
