Car Shipping to China
2026 Guide
Car shipping to China is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to China, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Chinese national and customs regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to China
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to China– Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to China— before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to China – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 13%
Cost: $3,300–$15,000+ (ocean), $33,000+ (air) — see note on estimates below
Main ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Guangzhou
Import duty: 25%
Required approval: Import Permit / China Customs approval obtained before importation; vehicle examination for emissions and noise compliance
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to China
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in China
Our local broker handles all Chinese customs paperwork, import duties, VAT, consumption tax, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in China
Your vehicle undergoes vehicle examination and emissions compliance checks before registration and release.
China Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to China starts around USD $3,300, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. As China is on the coast, vehicles are shipped directly to a Chinese seaport such as Shanghai, Ningbo or Shenzhen. The estimated transit time is 20–40 days, but this can also vary by season and volume.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Shanghai | $4,800 | $6,000 | $8,000 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Shanghai | $3,300 | $4,200 | $5,500 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Chinese Destination Ports
LogisticsChina has an extensive coastline, so vehicles are shipped directly to a Chinese seaport. Here are the entry ports we can ship to. Our agents can also arrange for onward transport to an inland location, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in China
Shanghai
Ningbo
Shenzhen
Tianjin
Guangzhou
Qingdao
Dalian
Xiamen
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Chinese government. Some of these fees could include:
Chinese Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Value-added tax (VAT or Mehrwertsteuer)
Consumption (sales) tax
First-time vehicle registration fee
Vehicle examination and emissions compliance fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Wharf, transport, storage and delivery charges after arrival
Import processing, customs broker and logistics service provider charges
Your agent can help you navigate the taxes, duties, and registration-related costs that may apply when importing a vehicle into China. Imported vehicles are generally subject to customs duty, 13% VAT, and consumption tax, with the final amount depending on the vehicle’s declared customs value, country of origin, HS classification, and vehicle specifications. Passenger vehicles may also be subject to China’s one-time vehicle purchase tax when registered for use in China. Because China’s import rules and tax treatment can vary by vehicle type, engine size, eligibility, and port of entry, your customs broker should confirm the exact duty, VAT, consumption tax, and registration-related costs before shipment.
China Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 13% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Returning Chinese Residents | Returning Chinese residents may be permitted to import their vehicle, but conditions apply — for example, the importer may need to be a returning ambassador or hold an import permit. Eligibility should be confirmed before shipping. |
Diplomatic and Foreign-Expert Status | Vehicle import for personal use is generally limited to legal residents of China who hold the appropriate status. Holders of a “Z” visa or permanent residence card who have been granted “foreign expert status” by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and visa authorities may qualify to import a vehicle. Any associated duty or tax relief is case-specific and should be confirmed with the customs authorities before shipping. |
Temporary Imports | Under China’s customs rules, certain vehicles may be brought in temporarily (for example, self-driving vehicles used for travel, or vehicles used in exhibitions and similar activities) provided they are re-exported within the permitted period — generally six months from the date of entry, with extensions only by Customs approval. Temporary import is not the same as permanent registration and is subject to a separate approval process. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in China.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to China, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to China.
- Importing a vehicle for personal use in China is possible, but all requirements must be met, and private vehicle imports are heavily restricted.
- Only legal residents of China are permitted to import vehicles. Business or tourist visa holders cannot import a car — generally only holders of a “Z” visa or a permanent residence card may import a vehicle, and the PSB and visa authorities must have granted the resident “foreign expert status”.
- Returning Chinese residents may import their vehicle but typically must be returning ambassadors or hold an import permit.
- Used and refurbished auto parts are not allowed as imports to China. Used cars may be imported, but restrictions will apply, and you should never assume your scenario matches someone else’s.
- Your vehicle must comply with China’s exhaust and noise emissions standards; verify compliance before shipping. If your vehicle does not conform, it may require modification, which will be an additional expense.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to China:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or China authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in China, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Declaration, lodged within the required period of importation
Import Permit / China Customs approval
Proof of value (invoice with payment confirmation or purchase agreement)
Duty, VAT and consumption-tax assessment documents
Approval / exemption letter demonstrating compliance with emissions standards
Vehicle examination documentation required for registration
Proof of registered address in China
Vehicle Registration in China (Vehicle Management Office / Traffic Police)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to China must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, the vehicle must pass a vehicle examination that confirms it meets local safety, emissions and noise standards, and an approval letter demonstrating emissions compliance is generally required.
If your vehicle requires any modifications to meet Chinese requirements, such as lighting adjustments or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a suitable specialist mechanic.
To register your vehicle, you’ll submit an application form along with the required documentation. Upon verification of your documents, you’re required to pay the first registration tax, the registration fee for your vehicle, and any applicable vehicle licence and accident-victim assistance levies before the vehicle can be licensed. Import rules in China can and do change often, so confirm the latest requirements with your agent before shipping. [TBD — confirm the registration authority’s exact name, the registration timeframe, and current fees; the sources describe the process but not a fixed deadline for mainland China registration.]
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in China, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
China Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to China.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in China?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Who is actually eligible to import a car into China?
China heavily restricts private vehicle imports. In general, only legal residents may import a vehicle — typically holders of a “Z” visa or permanent residence card who have been granted “foreign expert status” by the Public Security Bureau and visa authorities, or returning Chinese residents who hold an import permit (such as returning ambassadors). Business and tourist visa holders cannot import a car. Because eligibility is so case-specific, you should never assume your scenario qualifies — check with an agent before committing to a purchase or shipment.
Why does my vehicle's undercarriage need to be cleaned before shipping?
Before shipping 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 done through steam cleaning or other thorough methods. We don’t recommend washing the interior, as it can cause mold during transport — vacuuming is usually sufficient. CFR Classic can help you find an appropriate cleaner so you comply with this requirement.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.