What procedures are required for licensing an imported car?
3 Answers
Import car licensing requires the following procedures: 1. Prepare necessary documents for licensing, including the original and copy of the Certificate of Imported Goods, the original and copy of the Inspection Certificate for Imported Motor Vehicles, the original unified invoice for motor vehicle sales, a copy of personal ID, and the duplicate of compulsory traffic insurance; 2. Go to the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to exchange for the Quarantine Certificate for Imported Motor Vehicles and fill out the application form; 3. Provide the Certificate of Imported Goods, the Inspection Certificate for Imported Motor Vehicles, a copy of the car purchase invoice, a copy of the organization code certificate with the official seal of the unit, or for individuals, provide a copy of the ID card with a signature; 4. Go to the State Tax Bureau to pay the vehicle purchase tax, fill out the purchase tax declaration form, and provide the Certificate of Imported Goods, a copy of the locally exchanged Inspection Certificate for Imported Motor Vehicles, the tax payment copy of the car purchase invoice, and a copy of the organization code certificate; 5. Go to the Vehicle Management Office and provide the original Certificate of Imported Goods.
I just went through the import car procedures myself, and it was quite a hassle. First, you need to handle customs declaration, bringing along the certificate of origin and the purchase invoice. After the goods are inspected and cleared, you have to pay taxes, including customs duty and VAT, which add up to a significant amount. After tax payment, you must go to the commodity inspection department for environmental and safety inspections, where they check if the exhaust emissions and chassis number comply with regulations. Only after passing these inspections can you register at the vehicle management office, wait in line for a few days, and finally get your license plate, making sure the insurance and temporary plates haven't expired. The whole process costs at least 20,000 RMB and takes half a month. Be sure to prepare copies of all documents to avoid wasted trips. Hiring an intermediary saves some hassle but costs more.
The key to licensing imported vehicles lies in three major documents. The customs clearance certificate is the first step; after obtaining the customs declaration form, pay the import tax and VAT, otherwise the process will be stuck. The second step, commercial inspection certification, is indispensable. The environmental compliance report and conformity certificate must be complete, or re-inspection will cause delays. The third step is vehicle management office registration. Bring your ID and vehicle inspection sheet, and after system entry, you will receive the license plate. Additional costs include agency fees or service charges. The entire process usually takes over a week, so it's recommended to make an appointment in advance to avoid queuing hassles.
