What are the procedures for imported cars?
3 Answers
Import procedures for cars include: 1. Certificate of Import (commonly known as "Customs Clearance Document") The full name of the Customs Clearance Document is the Certificate of Import, also referred to as "Dock Receipt". It is a receipt issued by customs and serves as an important "ID card" for parallel imported vehicles. It is a crucial document for customs clearance and inspection. Without this identification, parallel imported vehicles cannot be registered. 2. The content of the Customs Clearance Document can identify which model the car is. The place of production refers to the final manufacturing location, not the country of origin. Parallel imported cars are vehicles purchased by traders from overseas markets and introduced into the Chinese market for sale without authorization from the brand manufacturer.
I often discuss imported cars with friends and find the procedures quite cumbersome, but taking it step by step makes it simpler. First, you need to prepare documents, including the purchase contract, original factory invoice, and vehicle certification—these must be authentic and complete, otherwise customs will hold them up. Customs declaration is the core step; hiring a professional customs broker to help fill out the declaration form and declare the value is essential. Customs will collect tariffs and VAT based on the import tax regulations, and these fees are substantial, accounting for over 30% of the car's price. Next comes vehicle inspection—China has strict emission and safety standards, requiring third-party testing to pass. After passing the inspection, you still need to pay the purchase tax and register for a license plate, visiting the vehicle management office for procedures, which may take around a month. The entire process can take anywhere from 40 to 90 days, with accumulated costs being significant. It’s advisable to budget in advance and consult experts to avoid detours or overspending.
I once imported a used car, and the experience taught me the crucial details of the procedures. It started with document preparation—the purchase contract and invoice must accurately reflect the original price, otherwise customs may question it during clearance, leading to delays or fines. The customs clearance stage was handled by a customs broker, as they are familiar with the process and can expedite clearance efficiently. Regarding taxes, the import duty is calculated based on the car's value, with VAT added on top—this is where the bulk of the cost lies. Then comes the inspection, which is a tough hurdle—the vehicle must pass safety tests like brakes and emissions; if it fails, modifications are required, costing extra money and time. After taxes, there’s the registration step—you need to prepare insurance and visit the DMV for licensing, which takes an average of six weeks. I advise budgeting an extra 50% for unforeseen costs, and patience is key throughout the process to avoid rushing into a purchase. Choosing the right channels can make the process much smoother.
