1. Vehicle legality and clear ownership:

Legitimate source: Ensure that the vehicle is sourced legally and not stolen, smuggled, or involved in the case.

Full ownership: Having clear and dispute free proof of vehicle ownership (usually the "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate" and "Motor Vehicle Driving Permit").

Export qualification: Confirm that the vehicle complies with the second-hand car export policies of the exporting country (such as vehicle age, emission standards, etc.). Chinese exports must be included in the list of second-hand car export enterprises by the Ministry of Commerce.

2. Target market access requirements:

Destination country regulations: This is the most crucial consideration! Conduct in-depth research on the specific regulations of the target country regarding the import of used cars, including:

Prohibited/restricted vehicle types: Some countries prohibit the import of right-hand drive vehicles, specific brands/models, old vehicles (such as vehicles over 10 years old), accident vehicles, modified vehicles, etc.

Emission standards: Must comply with the latest local emission regulations (such as European and American standards).

Safety standards: Must comply with local safety requirements (such as lighting, seat belts, braking systems, etc.).

Technical documents: Compliance certificates, test reports, etc. may be required.

Import License/Quota: Some countries require prior application for import licenses or are subject to quota restrictions.

Tariffs and taxes: Understand calculation methods and tax rates (tariffs, value-added tax, consumption tax, etc.).

Right/Left Steering: Confirm whether the destination country is a right-hand drive or left-hand drive driving country, and export the corresponding vehicle.

3. Vehicle condition assessment and maintenance

4. Document preparation (crucial!):

Export country documents:

*Vehicle ownership certificate (original or notarized copy of registration certificate, driving license);

*Export enterprise business license, foreign trade operator registration, second-hand car export license (China);

*Vehicle purchase invoice (or documents that can prove the legal source);

*Customs Declaration Form for Export Goods of the People's Republic of China and accompanying documents;

*Certificate of Motor Vehicle Cancellation or Export License (a key export document in China used for domestic cancellation);

*Inspection (if required by the destination country, a pre shipment inspection certificate may be required);

*Third party testing report;

Export contract, commercial invoice, packing list (although loose cargo, vehicle information must be listed);

Destination country customs clearance documents (confirmed in advance):

*Bill of lading;

*Commercial invoice;

*Packing list;

*Certificate of Origin (such as FORM E, depending on the destination country's tariff preference requirements);

*Testing reports/certificates of conformity that meet the requirements of the destination country;

*Specific documents required by the destination country (such as import license, VIN certification, environmental declaration, etc.);

*Copy of insurance policy;

Choose a reliable professional service provider

Freight forwarder/shipping agent: Choose experienced freight forwarders and shipping agents with expertise in the field of used vehicle bulk transportation. They are familiar with the process, port operations, binding requirements, and destination port customs clearance.

Shipping company: Confirm that the shipping company has the qualifications and experience to transport vehicles, understand their binding standards and requirements for vehicle preparation (especially oil).

Packaging and Binding: Professional binding is the lifeline! In the bulk cargo hold, vehicles are stacked or arranged as "cargo" and must be securely tied by professional tying workers in accordance with classification society regulations and cargo characteristics.

Binding point: Use the trailer hook or sturdy points on the chassis of the vehicle for binding. It is strictly prohibited to use non load bearing parts such as suspension system, steering wheel, wheel hub or bumper. If necessary, additional tie rings need to be installed.

Materials: Use chains, wire ropes, straps, shackles, tighteners, etc. that meet the standards.

Method: Fix at least four corners to prevent forward, backward, left, and right movement, as well as up and down bumps. The binding force needs to be sufficient to resist the wind and waves at sea.

Protection: Rubber or soft cloth should be added to the contact area between the binding point and the vehicle body to prevent scratching the paint surface. Rubber pads or wooden boards can be placed at the contact between the tire and the deck to increase friction.

Loading operation

Port selection: Confirm that the loading port has equipment and experience in handling truck roll on/roll off or lifting (bulk carriers usually use shore cranes or ship cranes).

Lifting operation: If lifting is used (commonly in vehicles without self propulsion capability or specific ports), specialized vehicle lifting equipment (four leg sling) must be used, operated by skilled workers, to ensure the correct lifting point, smooth lifting, and avoid severe shaking or collision with cabin walls and other cargo.

Cabin stowage: The ship's first mate will plan the stowage plan based on the characteristics of the cargo (weight, size, center of gravity), route, and weather conditions. Vehicles are usually placed in relatively stable cabins (such as the second floor container deck), avoiding areas under heavy cargo or those that are susceptible to wave impact. Ventilation (to prevent moisture) needs to be considered.

Insurance

Purchase sufficient insurance: It is necessary to purchase ocean transportation cargo insurance that covers the entire process (warehouse to warehouse) (usually all risk insurance). Clearly define the starting and ending points of insurance liability.

Clear coverage: Confirm whether the insurance covers losses caused by risks such as wind, waves, binding failure, collision, fire, seawater erosion, theft, loading and unloading accidents during transportation. Pay special attention to the exemption clause for "losses caused by oil leakage" (which is also one of the important reasons for requiring the emptying of oil).

Insurance value: insured based on vehicle value+shipping cost+insurance premium+reasonable profit.

Advance communication: Maintain close communication with the consignee or their agent at the destination port to ensure complete and accurate customs clearance documents, and understand the customs clearance process and expected time in advance. Notify the agent of the expected arrival time at the port, arrange for document exchange, tax payment, inspection, and other matters.

Customs clearance process:

*Submit all necessary documents to the destination country's customs.

*Pay customs duties, value-added tax, and other related taxes and fees.

*Customs inspection (document inspection or physical inspection) may be required.

*It may require inspection by the local vehicle management department (safety, emissions, etc.).

*Special note: The inspection of remaining oil at the destination port may be very strict, and non-compliance with regulations may result in fines, refusal of entry, or forced emptying (costly).

Pick up and Inspection:

After customs clearance is completed, arrange for vehicles to be picked up from the dock.