A mixed shipment of different car models requires a master set of documents covering the entire order, plus a complete, individual set of paperwork for each specific vehicle.
While the core documents for exporting a car from China are standard, managing a shipment with multiple models—like a new EV, a petrol SUV, and a used sedan—demands exceptional organization. The key is to treat it as one shipment with many individual parts, ensuring each vehicle has its own compliant documentation to prevent delays at your destination port.
Master Documents for the Entire Shipment
These documents consolidate all vehicles into a single transaction for shipping and customs purposes. They provide an overview of the entire order.
- Commercial Invoice: A single invoice that lists every vehicle in the shipment, its value, and the total transaction amount.
- Packing List: A detailed manifest that itemizes each car by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model, year, and weight. This is critical for customs officials to verify the container's contents against the paperwork.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill: This is your contract with the shipping line. It acts as a receipt for the cargo and a title for the shipment, covering all vehicles being transported together.
Individual Documents for Each Vehicle
Think of this as a passport for each car. A missing document for just one vehicle can hold up your entire shipment at customs. Each car in the mixed order needs its own complete file, including:
- Certificate of Origin (COO): For new vehicles, this document from the manufacturer proves where the car was made.
- Vehicle Title / Deregistration Certificate: For used cars, this proves legal ownership and confirms the vehicle has been officially deregistered for export from China.
- Inspection Certificate: If you requested a pre-shipment quality check, each vehicle will have its own SGS or BV inspection report detailing its specific condition.
How We Manage Mixed Order Documentation
At Starvia Automotive, managing complex, multi-model orders is a core part of our service. Our process ensures nothing is overlooked:
- Requirement Audit: We start by creating a master checklist detailing the exact documents needed for each model based on your destination country's regulations.
- Dossier Preparation: Starvia Automotive meticulously prepares a complete document file for every car in your order, ensuring each VIN matches its corresponding Certificate of Origin, inspection report, and invoice line item.
- Final Package Review: Our Export Documentation and Customs Support team compiles everything into a single, organized package. You receive the master shipment documents along with clearly labeled folders for each vehicle, simplifying your customs clearance process.

