What are the procedures for parallel imported vehicles?

[DiMorgan]

Parallel imported vehicles require the following procedures: 1. Certificate of Imported Goods, which includes the vehicle name, customs declaration company, chassis number, engine number, production date, etc.; 2. Inspection Sheet for Imported Motor Vehicles, stamped by the National CIQ Inspection and Quarantine Bureau; 3. Mandatory Product Certification Vehicle Conformity Certificate, with the conformity certificate on the front and the environmental protection list on the back; 4. Environmental Protection List; 5. Invoice, which states the invoiced price of the vehicle and taxpayer information. Parallel import refers to vehicles imported directly from the product's country of origin by importers other than the general distributor, and its import channels are parallel to the domestic authorized distribution channels, as opposed to standard domestic models.

[LeMiles]

Last year, I purchased a parallel-imported Mercedes-Benz, and the entire process was quite cumbersome. First, the agent helped arrange the import contract and certificate of origin, which took several weeks just to prepare the documents. Then, during customs clearance, there was a pile of paperwork like the customs declaration, invoices, and bills of lading—plus hefty taxes: 25% tariff, 13% VAT, and potential consumption tax. After clearance, the vehicle had to undergo environmental and safety testing at a certification center, including emissions and brake inspections. My car failed the headlight test initially, requiring additional repairs and costs to pass and obtain the conformity certificate. The biggest hassle was registering the car—waiting in line at the DMV for inspection, passing the testing line, and then paying a few hundred yuan for the license plate. The agent’s fee alone cost several thousand, and the whole process took two months. While it didn’t save much compared to a regular purchase, the freedom to choose the model was worth it.

[LaCole]

The core procedures for parallel imported vehicles are divided into several steps: Before importation, it is necessary to obtain the national import license and certificate of origin to ensure legal sourcing. For customs clearance, essential documents such as contracts and packing lists are required, and taxes including tariffs and VAT, which can account for up to one-third of the vehicle's price, must be paid. Vehicle certification is indispensable, with safety tests and environmental compliance being critical; many vehicles require modifications to pass, or they won't receive the certification. For registration, first schedule a vehicle inspection at the DMV, pass the chassis and lighting tests, and then proceed to obtain the registration certificate. The entire process relies on professional agents; transparent fees can save hassle, but personally overseeing the details can prevent delays and cost overruns. Overall, it's slower than purchasing from authorized 4S stores but offers lower prices and more options, making it suitable for patient buyers.

[DelLily]

I've purchased several parallel-imported cars, and the lesson is don't let paperwork hold you back. Quick version: Find a reliable agent to handle all documents, ensure the import contract and certificate of origin are ready. Pay all taxes upfront during customs clearance to avoid declaration delays. Book testing appointments at certification centers in advance, make sure lights and brakes meet compliance standards. For license plate registration, complete forms and vehicle inspection at the DMV first to speed things up. The key is using professional agent services—pay a bit extra to save time, ensure no document omissions to avoid multiple trips. Total time can be controlled within one month, costs include agent fees, taxes, and testing, budget an extra 20% buffer.