Car sourcing from China involves defining the vehicle specification, verifying the exporter, confirming the landed cost, inspecting the car, completing export documents, and arranging international transport. Buyer approval and sourcing normally take 7-15 days when specifications are clear (AutoZQI sourcing records, 2026). RoRo shipping to Lagos takes approximately 30-45 days (AutoZQI logistics, 2026). This guide explains the process for importers, dealerships, fleet operators, and automotive distributors.

TL;DR

The process has six steps and typically requires 2-6 weeks before shipment, depending on vehicle availability and export documentation. Prepare your company details, destination port, preferred models, budget, quantity, and local import requirements. Use a licensed exporter, request an inspection report, and approve the VIN before paying the final balance.

Key Takeaways

• Define exact models, trims, production years, and acceptable substitutes.
• Verify the Chinese supplier’s company registration and export capability.
• Compare FOB, CIF, and DAP quotations on the same basis.
• Inspect each vehicle and match its VIN to the sales contract.
• Confirm destination-country eligibility before shipment.
• Keep payment records, export documents, and shipping documents aligned.

Step 1: Prepare a Precise Vehicle Request

A detailed request reduces incorrect quotations and unsuitable vehicle offers.

1. State whether you need new, used, petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric cars.
2. List brand, model, trim, model year, color, quantity, steering position, and target price.
3. Provide the destination port and preferred shipping method.
4. Identify required certificates, age limits, and emissions standards in your market.

Common mistake: Requesting only a model name without trim, battery size, or model year.

How to verify: Ask for a specification sheet and photographs showing the VIN plate, dashboard, exterior, and charging port where applicable.

Step 2: Verify the Supplier and Vehicle Source

China has a large and varied vehicle supply chain; background information is available in this overview of the China automotive industry. Buyers should still verify the specific company handling their transaction.

1. Request the supplier’s Chinese business license and registered company name.
2. Confirm that the contract beneficiary matches the bank-account holder.
3. Check the business address, website domain, and named sales contact.
4. Ask how the vehicle was obtained and whether it has already been registered.

For additional screening methods, review this guide on avoiding scams when buying cars from China.

Common mistake: Sending funds to a personal or unrelated third-party account.

How to verify: Compare the license, pro forma invoice, contract, bank beneficiary, and company stamp before payment.

Step 3: Compare the Full Landed Cost

The lowest vehicle price may not produce the lowest delivered cost.

1. Obtain an itemized quotation covering the vehicle, inland transport, export handling, inspection, freight, and insurance.
2. Confirm whether the price is FOB, CIF, or DAP.
3. Add destination duties, VAT, port charges, customs brokerage, registration, and inland delivery.
4. Check the quotation’s currency, validity period, and payment schedule.

Documentation, port handling, and domestic transport can add 2-5% to the vehicle purchase value (AutoZQI transaction records, 2026).

Common mistake: Comparing an FOB offer with a CIF offer as if they include identical services.

How to verify: Put all offers into one landed-cost worksheet using the same destination, quantity, and exchange rate.

Step 4: Sign the Contract and Control Payment

The sales contract should define exactly what the seller must supply.

1. Record the vehicle specification, quantity, price, Incoterm, destination, and delivery schedule.
2. Include the VIN where allocated, or require VIN approval before final payment.
3. Define the deposit, balance trigger, inspection rights, and refund conditions.
4. List all documents that must accompany the shipment.

Common mistake: Paying 100% before the vehicle identity and condition are confirmed.

How to verify: Reconcile every payment request with the signed contract and verified corporate account.

Step 5: Inspect the Cars and Export Documents

Inspection should cover identity, condition, equipment, and document consistency.

1. Match the VIN on the body, windshield, documents, and diagnostic scan.
2. Check paintwork, tires, glass, interior, warning lights, mileage, and included accessories.
3. For EVs, confirm battery specification, charging standard, cable type, and displayed state of health where test data is available.
4. Request dated photographs, videos, and a signed inspection report.

Independent pre-shipment inspections generally take 1-2 days per batch (AutoZQI inspection records, 2026).

For multi-unit orders, approve a VIN-level checklist rather than one general batch report; this prevents accessories or documents from being assigned to the wrong car.

Common mistake: Accepting edited promotional images as inspection evidence.

How to verify: Require timestamped media and VIN references on every report page.

Step 6: Arrange Shipping and Destination Clearance

Choose transport based on route availability, vehicle condition, quantity, and destination-port rules.

1. Use RoRo for operable vehicles when the route and schedule are suitable.
2. Use a container for smaller batches, non-running vehicles, parts, or routes without RoRo service.
3. Confirm freight, insurance, loading method, estimated departure, and free-storage period.
4. Send the bill of lading, invoice, packing list, export declaration, and required certificates to the destination broker before arrival.

AutoZQI can coordinate sourcing, inspection, FOB or CIF shipping, and document preparation. Buyers requiring a route-specific quotation can contact AutoZQI.

Common mistake: Shipping before the destination broker checks import eligibility.

How to verify: Obtain written clearance guidance from a licensed local customs agent before loading.

Troubleshooting

FAQ

Q: Can dealers buy cars directly from Chinese manufacturers?

A: Some manufacturers work only through domestic distribution channels or authorized export partners. A licensed exporter can source available vehicles, process export documentation, and arrange shipping.

Q: Is FOB or CIF better for car sourcing from China?

A: FOB suits buyers with their own freight contracts. CIF is easier when the exporter arranges ocean freight and insurance. Compare total destination cost rather than the quoted vehicle price alone.

Q: Can used cars be exported from China?

A: Yes, subject to Chinese export procedures and destination-country rules. Request registration history, mileage evidence, condition records, and an inspection report.

Q: What documents are normally required?

A: Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, bill of lading, export declaration, VIN list, and market-specific certificates. Requirements vary by destination.

Related Reading

• How to Choose New Cars in China for Export
• Benefits of Direct Sourcing Cars from China
• Contact AutoZQI for a Vehicle Sourcing Quote