China's used vehicle export market has experienced significant growth in recent years. To standardize market operations, the Ministry of Commerce and four other government departments jointly issued the "Announcement on Matters Concerning Used Vehicle Exports." This guide provides exporters with detailed operational procedures, covering required documentation, key considerations, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliant and efficient export processes.
1. Verification and Handling of Vehicle Power Types
Prior to export, accurate verification of a used vehicle's power system is crucial as it directly impacts transportation and customs clearance procedures. There are three primary scenarios:
- Fuel-powered vehicles: Must completely drain all fuel from the tank and provide oil-free certification. These vehicles can typically be cleared through customs as ordinary goods.
- Lead-acid battery vehicles: Require hazardous transport certification from authorized institutions (such as the Shanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute). The certification report will specify risk levels and necessary protective measures during transportation.
- Lithium battery vehicles: Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials, requiring dangerous goods packaging certification or virtual dangerous goods certification. These vehicles must strictly comply with hazardous material export regulations for transportation and customs clearance.
2. Brand Registration and Authorization
Exporters must verify whether the used vehicle brand is registered with customs. For registered brands, electronic authorization from the brand owner is mandatory. Lack of proper authorization may result in customs inspection holds, potential infringement penalties including goods destruction or fines. Brands not registered with customs require no authorization.
3. Export License Applications
Certain used vehicle exports require export licenses. Applicants may include up to 20 vehicles under the same commodity code on a single license application form, with the licensed quantity equal to or exceeding the actual shipment volume. Vehicles not requiring licenses are exempt from this process. Exporters should consult local customs or foreign trade authorities for specific requirements.
4. Customs Declaration Form Specifications
When completing export declaration forms, the vehicle condition must be clearly marked as "used." Additionally, the vehicle identification number (VIN) must be accurately entered in the remarks section, typically available on the vehicle registration certificate. Precise VIN entry facilitates efficient customs processing.
5. Container Loading Considerations
- Vehicle positioning: Position vehicles with VINs and brand information facing outward for easy customs inspection. Avoid stacking methods that might obstruct inspection access.
- Securing measures: Properly secure vehicles within containers using straps, wooden blocks, or other appropriate methods to prevent movement during transit.
- Visibility maintenance: Ensure securing methods don't obscure critical information like VINs that require customs verification.
6. Customs Inspection Cooperation
Exporters should proactively cooperate with customs inspections by providing necessary documentation and information. Having professional personnel available to assist with container opening and inspection procedures can significantly reduce processing time and prevent unnecessary delays.
7. Risk Management and Compliance
- Regulatory compliance: Maintain current knowledge of national and regional used vehicle export regulations to ensure full compliance.
- Market research: Thoroughly understand target market trade policies, tariff structures, and potential trade barriers.
- Intellectual property: Strictly respect intellectual property rights to avoid exporting infringing products.
- Contractual agreements: Implement standardized export contracts that clearly define all parties' rights and obligations.
The used vehicle export process involves multiple complex stages requiring specialized knowledge and experience. By thoroughly understanding relevant policies, standardizing operational procedures, and implementing proper risk management strategies, exporters can effectively minimize risks while maximizing export efficiency.