How do you confirm whether a vehicle is genuinely new or an already-registered used car?

Updated 2026-08-20By Starvia Automotive

Short Answer

Checking whether a car is new or a registered used car can't rely on appearance or the marketing name; build the evidence chain for new vs registered used verification from the registration and deregistration status, the mileage, production date and VIN, and the invoice and export document descriptions.

Base the new-or-used classification on the registration and deregistration status, the vehicle's condition on the mileage, production date and VIN, and the export description on the invoice and export documents. Check the registration status, production date, mileage and export document description vehicle by vehicle, and require the supplier to state in writing whether each vehicle is exported as new or used.

For more on identity checks, read on at How do I know if a Chinese vehicle is export ready?. Where new vs registered used verification involves import licensing or market access, the written conclusions of the destination country's competent authority and licensed agent at the time of processing take precedence. If you need the models and export documents behind new vs registered used verification re-checked, submit the checklist to Starvia Automotive for a further review by the China team.

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