
Generally, the operational process for used car exports includes: 1. Domestic vehicle acquisition: Signing purchase contracts and concentrating vehicles at designated locations. 2. Vehicle preparation: Conducting safety performance repairs and necessary refurbishments based on overseas requirements. 3. Vehicle inspection: Performed by qualified third-party inspection agencies, primarily focusing on safety performance. 4. Vehicle transfer: Processing at vehicle management office transfer inspection points, registering under the name of the export-qualified entity. 5. Vehicle deregistration: Completing deregistration procedures with the local vehicle management office within 2 months after customs clearance, using the departure notice. 6. Port departure: Managing the entire process including warehousing and shipping. 7. Customs declaration: Submitting documents and completing online customs declaration.

Last time I helped the company handle the export license for used cars, and the process was actually quite clear. First, confirm the company's qualifications—you must have the used car export business qualification filed, otherwise you won't even get through the door. Preparing the materials is the key step, including core documents like vehicle ownership proof, export contracts, and target country access documents. I recommend also preparing the inspection report and vehicle photos. After submitting the application through the Ministry of Commerce's online platform, feedback usually comes in about 5 working days. Remember to check in advance whether all material dates are valid, especially the validity period of the export contract. Finally, take the approved documents to customs to complete the clearance procedures. The most important aspects of the entire process are material completeness and time management—missing even one page could delay things by two weeks.

I've handled over a dozen used car export transactions, and there are three key aspects to focus on when applying for licenses. First is the pre-application vehicle compliance review - you must ensure the vehicles have no outstanding loans/mortgages and meet the emission standards of the destination country. Second is the document submission process, which is now mostly done through the National Used Car Export Information Management System by uploading scanned copies of business licenses, vehicle registration certificates, and foreign trade contracts. Lastly is timeline management - it typically takes 5-10 business days from submission to license issuance, but may extend during peak seasons. I recommend allowing a two-week buffer period. Don't forget to simultaneously prepare the import certification documents required by the destination country, as some nations require additional notarization. The core of the entire process is advance timeline planning.

A friend just completed the export license process, and I followed along. First, go to the local commerce bureau to confirm if the company is on the list of export enterprises—this basic requirement disqualifies many. The most troublesome part during document preparation is the vehicle paperwork, especially for cars sourced from other regions, which require a complete set of records. Online submissions are convenient now, but be mindful of frequent system updates to format requirements. During the review period, keep an eye on SMS notifications—supplementary materials must be submitted within three days. The most commonly overlooked aspect is the specific requirements of the destination country, such as Arabic translations for Middle Eastern exports. The whole process isn’t as complicated as imagined; the key is to ensure documents are properly standardized.


