What are the procedures for importing vehicles?
2 Answers
Importing vehicles requires the following procedures: 1. First, the Import Certificate of Goods (commonly known as the "Customs Declaration"). The full name of the Customs Declaration is the Import Certificate of Goods, also known as the "Dock Receipt," which is a receipt issued by customs. It serves as an important "ID card" for parallel imported vehicles and is a crucial document for customs clearance. Without this certificate, parallel imported vehicles cannot be registered. The contents of the Customs Declaration can identify the specific vehicle model, and the place of production refers to the final manufacturing location, not the country of origin. It is essential to keep the Customs Declaration safe, as replacing a lost one is particularly troublesome. 2. The Inspection Sheet for Imported Motor Vehicles (commonly known as the "Commodity Inspection"). The Commodity Inspection is also a necessary procedure for registering parallel imported vehicles. Without it, parallel imported vehicles cannot be registered. 3. Vehicle Conformity Certificate. Inconsistent names in the procedures can make registration difficult. Manufacturers attach a Vehicle Conformity Certificate stamped by the company and signed by the person in charge of vehicle conformity when the vehicle leaves the factory. Therefore, it is crucial to request this certificate when purchasing a vehicle. 4. Purchase Invoice. The invoice is required when purchasing the vehicle tax for registration. It should also be carefully preserved and not folded, etc.
The procedures for importing vehicles are quite complicated. I remember last time when I helped a colleague with a used car, we had to prepare documents starting from customs declaration overseas, including the vehicle's certificate of origin, purchase invoice, and customs forms. After paying the tariffs and VAT, the car had to be sent to the quarantine department for environmental and safety standard inspections. Once cleared, we still had to go to the DMV to register and switch to Chinese license plates. The whole process took two to three months, with costs accounting for over 30% of the car's original price. If you're not experienced, it's easy to run into issues, like incomplete documents or failing emissions tests halfway through. For beginners, it's best to hire an agent to handle it and save trouble, and check in advance whether the target model meets domestic standards to avoid delays. Importing also requires considering transport insurance and additional costs to prevent budget overruns affecting your plans.
