Vehicles sold domestically in China only have the "Environmental Information List" and the "Vehicle Qualification Certificate," which are not the COC of the European system. We will provide a notarized English translation of the Chinese qualification certificate. If local customs strictly require the original European COC, the vehicle will not be able to clear customs.

A solid contract is your main protection in a cross-border deal. It should specify: 1. Vehicle identification: VIN, year, mileage, trim level, and photos of the actual car appended as an annex — not just「a 2021 Toyota」. 2. Condition guarantees: no accident, no flood or fire damage, no structural repairs, supported by a third-party inspection report referenced in the contract. 3. Price and Incoterm: total amount, currency, the named port, and whether freight and insurance are included. 4. Payment schedule: e.g., 20–30% deposit after contract signing, balance against copy of the Bill of Lading. Avoid 100% upfront. Use T/T to the company's corporate bank account only — never a personal account. 5. Timeline: inspection date, estimated loading date, and latest shipment date, with remedies if delayed. 6. Dispute clause: governing law and arbitration (CIETAC or your local chamber) rather than foreign court litigation. Ask for the contract in English (or bilingual) with the supplier's company chop. A company that refuses a written contract or pushes for full prepayment is a red flag.

A typical transaction has six steps. 1. Selection: you confirm the vehicle through photos, a video walkaround, an inspection report and the VIN. 2. Deposit: most exporters ask 20%-30% to reserve the car. Pay by bank transfer to the company's corporate account, never a personal one. 3. Inspection: an independent pre-shipment inspection verifies the condition; you receive the report before paying the balance. 4. Balance payment: usually due before loading. Request the booking confirmation and container number. 5. Shipping: the exporter sends you the draft bill of lading for checking, then the original documents by courier. 6. Arrival: you clear customs with the invoice, C/O, B/L and inspection certificate, then register the vehicle. Total timeline is usually 2-6 weeks. Use payment methods with recourse (T/T or escrow) and keep every contract and receipt.