China Import Regulations

Year Restriction

• • Maximum 10 years old from the year of manufacture.
• • Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 2005 must pass rigorous inspection before registration.

Destination Ports

• • Tianjin, Shanghai, Dalian.

Shipping Details

• • Method: Container.
• • Transit Time: 10-15 days.
• • Schedule: Weekly.
• • Shipping Line: Cosco Shipping Lines Co. (COSCO).

Drive Orientation

• • Only Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles allowed.
• • Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles cannot be legally registered or used on Chinese roads.

Inspection Requirements

• • Vehicles must comply with EURO IV emission standards.
• • Diesel vehicles are prohibited.

Import Restrictions

• • Only eligible foreign personnel can import cars:
• • Permanent representatives working in institutions.
• • Staff of foreign-invested enterprises (Sino-joint venture, cooperative, wholly foreign-owned).
• • Diplomats (duty and tax-free).
• • Foreign experts.
• • High-level overseas students may import one personal vehicle if approved and residing continuously in China for more than 1 year.
• • Foreign students cannot import vehicles for personal use.
• • Returning Chinese citizens can import vehicles only if they are diplomats or have a valid import permit.

Import Duties & Taxes

• • Customs Duty: 25% of CIF value.
• • VAT: 17%.
• • Consumption Tax: Based on engine displacement.

Import Documentation

• • Original and copy of Bill of Lading.
• • Certificate of Origin.
• • Customs Declaration Form (in Chinese).
• • Inspection Certificate (in Chinese).
• • Insurance documents.
• • Commercial / Purchase Invoice.