The usual workflow for buying cars from China involves six key stages: inquiry and quotation, vehicle sourcing and inspection, contract and payment, logistics and shipping, documentation and customs, and finally, vehicle collection.

The process of importing vehicles from China can seem complex, but it follows a structured and logical path. Understanding these steps helps international dealers, fleet managers, and trade buyers plan their procurement with confidence. Each stage has a clear purpose, moving your order from a simple request to vehicles arriving at your destination port.

Here is a typical step-by-step breakdown of the auto export workflow:

1. Inquiry and Quotation

Your journey begins by submitting a detailed inquiry. You specify the vehicle models you need (e.g., BYD Seal, Haval H6, a commercial truck), the quantity, and your destination port. In response, your export partner prepares a formal quotation. At Starvia Automotive, we provide Transparent CIF and FOB Pricing, which clearly outlines the vehicle cost, ocean freight, and insurance (CIF) to your chosen port, ensuring you have a complete cost picture upfront with no hidden fees.

2. Vehicle Sourcing and Inspection

Once you approve the quotation, the sourcing process begins. For new cars, we secure the vehicles directly from the factory or its authorized network. For used vehicles, a critical quality check is performed. This often involves a third-party 200-point inspection from providers like SGS or BV to verify the vehicle's mechanical, cosmetic, and electrical condition before any commitment is made.

3. Contract and Payment

A formal Proforma Invoice (PI) or Sales Contract is issued, detailing all terms, vehicle specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines. To confirm the order and begin production or preparation, buyers typically wire a deposit, often 30% of the total value. The remaining balance is usually due once the vehicle is ready for shipment or upon presentation of the Bill of Lading.

4. Logistics and Shipping

With the vehicle secured and ready, logistics come into play. Your export partner books space on a vessel. Depending on your needs and budget, this will be either RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, where cars are driven onto the ship, or container shipping, which offers added protection. The vehicle is then transported from the source to the designated port of loading in China.

5. Export Documentation and Customs

This is a documentation-heavy stage. Starvia Automotive manages the preparation of all critical export paperwork, including the Bill of Lading (the ticket for the car on the ship), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin. These documents are couriered to you so you can begin the customs clearance process with your local agent before the vessel arrives.

6. Vehicle Collection and After-Sales

Once the vessel arrives at your destination port and you have paid all local duties and taxes, you can collect your vehicles. The process doesn't end there; a reliable partner provides after-sales support for spare parts inquiries, warranty questions, and any other post-sale needs.