Importing a Car from the USA to China? Car imports from the USA to China start at a cost of $2,500 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 – 40 days, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the United States, and your final destination in China. Below, our 2024 guide for shipping a car to China will explore everything you need to know about importing cars from the USA to China.
US to China Vehicle Import Checklist
Vehicle Import Options
Vehicle Import Approval
US to China Car Import Costs & Time Frame
US to China Vehicle Import Options
Additional Services
Ports Served in the US and China
Cleaning Your Vehicle of Biosecurity Concerns
Plating Your Vehicle in China
Other China/US Shipping Options
Are you ready to get started importing a car from the USA to China?
Request a free online quote – Quotes are available online with a guaranteed response within 24 hours for car import and moving services to China.
Please do not hesitate to call or email us anytime with any questions about importing a car to China. Contact our shipping experts for more information. We are always just a phone call away!
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Want more information on car import services to China from the USA?
Read on below for our US to China Import Shipping Checklist, Vehicle Import Options, US to China Car Import Costs & Time Frame, US to China Vehicle Import Options, Ports Served in the US & China, and other details on how to Import Car from USA to China.
US to China Vehicle Import Checklist
Here’s a rough breakdown of the process you’ll need to go through to import your vehicle to China.
More information on the process of importing a car to China can be found at the HK Transport Department.
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Vehicle Import Options
Importing a car for personal use in China is possible, but all requirements must be met. These include:
These questions and more will determine whether your car is eligible for import to China. You should never assume your scenario is the same as someone else’s when it comes to importing a car to China. For example, used and refurbished auto parts aren’t allowed as imports to China. Used cars may be imported to China, but restrictions will apply.
To obtain an estimate of the cost to import a car to China, fill out our free quick quote form.
Vehicle Import Approval
Upon arrival of your vehicle import to China, a customs declaration must be made within 14 days of importation. The following documentation must be submitted to the Customs and Excise Department or through the Motor Vehicles First Registration Tax System website:
Things to Consider
US to China Car Import Costs & Time Frame
Using a baseline of a compact car being imported using the roll-on/roll-off method from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Guangzhou, our estimate to Import Car from USA to China starts at a cost of $2,500 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 – 40 days.
However, the cost to import a car to China can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in the USA, your transport method of choice, availability of your chosen services and your final destination in China. Additionally, you’ll need to consider costs such as storage, cleaning, other vendor fees, and Chinese taxes & import duties.
As turnaround times to import a car to China can vary by season and volume, please contact us for estimates.
Taxes & Duties for China Car Imports
VAT, import duties, and sales tax are all required and will vary depending on the value of your car. A first-time car registration fee will also be applied.
The amount of taxes and import duties payable when shipping a car to China from the US will vary and depends on the details of your shipment.
To obtain an estimate of the cost to import a car to China, fill out our free quick quote form.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
US to China Vehicle Import Options
Import Car from USA to China can be performed using a shared container, a sole container or a roll-on/roll-off service.
Roll-On/Roll-Off – Best for working vehicles, as your auto will be driven onto the delivery vessel and secured for transport in a huge freight zone, similar to a parking structure. The main added expenses are customs clearance charges and taxes, making this our most budget-friendly alternative.
Shared Container Service – Several vehicles are stacked together in one 40 ft. container utilizing our industry-leading steel loading system. Although there are extra charges compared with our Roll-On/Roll-Off service, you’ll share the additional expenses of delivery in a safe encased freight container with other vehicle proprietors. Additional expenses include: Trucking and unloading charges, terminal handling fees, as well as customs clearance charges.
*You may encounter a longer hold up before your auto ships out, since the container must reach capacity before shipping. Although there might be a longer wait, you’ll have the additional security of transporting your vehicle in a completely encased container.
Full Container Load – Like our shared container service, your vehicle will be transported in a completely encased 20 ft container dedicated exclusively to your auto. You’ll have the benefit of not waiting for the container to reach capacity before shipment, but won’t share the additional expenses of terminal handling, and added unloading charges with other vehicle owners. There are many benefits that outweigh the added cost of container shipping, including added security and protection from the weather thanks to the fully enclosed and secured container.
Our transportation professional will record your vehicle’s condition upon arrival – including the loading process into the container – with photograph documentation which will be accessible online for your benefit. We use an industry-leading steel stacking system that doesn’t depend on obsolete wood and nails, lessening the risk of harm to your car.
After your auto is loaded and secured, the container door will be locked, and its contents won’t be accessible to anybody until its landing in the final destination. Your vehicle will be secured in a completely encased container, we welcome you to pack and transport extra things inside the vehicle. Nonetheless, please ensure everything is secured safely, as we won’t be in charge of damages or loss of any sort. Once your vehicle touches base at its final destination in China, the container will be opened by our operators, who will record the vehicle’s condition and unloading process with photograph documentation.
*In contrast with our Roll-On/Roll-Off Service, container transportation will be more practical, thanks to our frequent weekly departures.
We utilize an eco-friendly steel loading system for added security against damage, unlike other shipping companies who use outdated wood ramps.
Additional Services
Sourcing vehicles – Put our many years of experience in the auto shipping industry to work for you! Our extensive network of auto buyers is ready to help customers abroad purchasing vehicles, for a nominal fee.
Other services – Some of the auto transport services we offer in overseas territories include domestic pickup, vehicle import assistance, tracking of your shipment, customs clearance in the USA and a full vehicle inspection report.
Ports Served in the US and China
Departure Ports – United States
The location your vehicle will depart from depends on the method of car transport to China, where your vehicle is located, your budget and which services the nearest port offers. We have multiple departure locations in the USA, including Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, Savannah and more.
Destination Ports – China
Here are the China entry ports where your vehicle can be imported:
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Before importing your vehicle to China, the undercarriage must be cleaned and free of foreign soil to prevent the introduction of invasive plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This can be accomplished through steam cleaning or other thorough cleaning methods. CFR Classic can assist with finding an appropriate cleaner to help ensure you comply with this requirement.
We do not recommend washing the interior of the vehicle as it can cause mold during transport. Vacuuming the interior is usually more than sufficient.
Plating Your Vehicle in China
To register motor vehicles, you’ll need to submit an application form along with required documentation. Upon verification of your documents, you’re required to pay first registration tax, along with the registration fee for your vehicle and pay a vehicle license fee and Traffic Accident Victim Assistance Fund levies to license your vehicle.
For the latest regulations, please refer to the HK Transport Department Guidelines for Importation and Registration of Motor Vehicles. Import rules can and do change often.
Other China/US Shipping Options
This information was updated in January 2024. All information, time frames, pricing, and regulations are subject to change. Please contact a sales representative for the most current rates and information.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.