Cost

Standard SGS / BV pre-shipment inspection for a new or used passenger vehicle:

  • Single vehicle: $120–$150
  • 5–10 vehicles: $90–$120 per vehicle
  • 10+ vehicles (single shipment): $80–$100 per vehicle
  • Premium / commercial vehicles: +$30–$50 (more checkpoints, longer test)

These prices are typical for inspection performed in mainland China.

Some destination markets require additional local inspections beyond SGS/BV at China side:

  • Saudi SASO conformity: additional $80–$150 per vehicle, performed at China by SASO-approved inspector (often BV)
  • Nigeria SONCAP: SGS handles this combined with pre-shipment inspection
  • Kenya PVoC: SGS handles combined

Timing

For a single vehicle at our Guangzhou or Shanghai inspection bay:

  • Day 1: Inspector arrives, performs all 200 points (typically 3–4 hours)
  • Day 2: Report drafted with photos
  • Day 3: Report finalized, PDF delivered to seller and buyer

For shipments of 5+ vehicles, all inspections can be batched the same day with full reports delivered within 3–4 days.

Who Pays

Default arrangement at Starvia:

  • CIF orders: inspection fee is included in our quoted CIF price (we coordinate, pay, and forward report)
  • FOB orders: buyer pays inspection fee directly, either through us or through their own appointed inspector

If you need a third-party inspector you trust personally (e.g. your local agent's preferred SGS office), arrange with us 7+ days before shipment so we can coordinate access at the inspection bay.

What If a Vehicle Fails?

Issues are categorized:

  • Cosmetic (paint chip, minor scratch): your call — accept and ship, or negotiate price discount
  • Functional (electronic issue, minor mechanical): we usually offer free remediation or full refund of deposit
  • Safety (structural damage, recall not addressed): vehicle replaced at no cost; alternate vehicle inspected before shipment

Reports are honest. We'd rather lose a sale than ship a vehicle that fails at destination.