A Certificate of Origin (C/O) is an official document stating where the vehicle was manufactured. Customs authorities use it to decide which tariff rates and trade agreements apply to your import. Why it matters: many countries offer preferential tariffs for certain origins. With a valid C/O, such as the ASEAN-China Form E or a GSP Form A, you may pay reduced or zero duty. Without it, you typically pay the standard, higher rate. The certificate must match the vehicle exactly: VIN, make, model and invoice details. It is usually issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or customs authorities. Practical tips: request the C/O before shipment, because adding it later is slow; check that your country's customs accepts the specific C/O format; and confirm with your broker whether your vehicle category qualifies for preferential rates. This single document can save you thousands in duty.

Use credit check apps (like Check Doctor or Ant Queen) to pull the complete accident record.

Battery health is the single biggest risk when buying a used Chinese EV remotely. Ask for a battery report showing state of health (SOH) and cell voltage balance from the car's BMS or a diagnostic scan — anything below 85% SOH deserves a price reduction or a pass. Check fast-charge counts and whether the pack has warranty remaining; many Chinese EVs carry 8-year/150,000 km battery warranties that may or may not transfer. Verify real-world range from energy consumption history rather than the dashboard estimate. Also confirm the on-board charger works with your country's voltage, and ask whether the connected app and OTA updates will remain accessible in your region before you pay.