The key to newbies exporting used cars is to first comply with regulations and obtain qualifications, then select the market to start, then control the source and funds of the car, and finally complete the entire process. Here is a complete set of steps from the beginning that you can follow directly. This is the latest version of 2026.

1. Get qualifications: the first step to legally go to sea (required)

Subject requirements (circulation trade category)

The fixed business/exhibition address of a domestic independent legal person company (none can be borrowed). At least 3 licensed used car appraisers (with social security) have no record of serious violations of the law or breach of trust

filing process

Office: Business licenses, import and export rights, customs filing, and foreign exchange account registration shall be submitted to the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce for filing on the business system of the Provincial Department of Commerce for review within 15 working days, with a validity period of 1 year. Approved → included in the list of used car export enterprises → Can apply for license

Key new regulations for 2026

For new vehicles that have not yet reached the export registration time of 180 days, don't forget to bring the "After-Sales Maintenance Service Confirmation Form" issued by the manufacturer. Each license can be issued by a batch of 20 vehicles. The information must be completely consistent with the registration certificate to modify the vehicle: It must have an announcement from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, CCC certification, and proof of authenticity of the modification

2. Select the market: Novices give priority to these categories

Recommended entry market (left-hand rudder, low threshold, stable demand)

Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Preferences: SUV, pickup truck, Japanese/domestic fuel vehicle, four-wheel drive Characteristics: 5 - 8 years old, price sensitive, friendly customs clearance Africa (East and West Africa): Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia Preferences: Pickup truck, light truck, economy sedan Characteristics: Just needed, large volume, high tolerance for vehicle conditions Southeast Asia (near land transportation): Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar Characteristics: Short distance, fast logistics, short capital turnover

Novices avoid traps

No touch: European Union, Australia (extremely old emission vehicles and high cost) No touch: right-hand rudder countries (such as the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia) unless you specialize in right-hand rudder

3. The entire business process (from 0 to 1)

1. Customer acquisition and signing

Online: International website, Facebook community, WhatsApp development, Google Maps, AI, social media, customer acquisition is not a single channel. All regions need to be used offline: overseas auto parts exhibitions, visits from local dealers

Contract key points

Incoterm: For novices, we recommend EXW (ex factory) or FOB (offshore) payment: 30% deposit +70% final payment paid before shipment (or L/C LC) Clarify: testing standards, vehicle age or emission standards, after-sales liability, dispute resolution

2. Domestic vehicle collection and compliance

Vehicle collection: legal source, unsecured seizure accident water adjustment table transfer: vehicle management office transfer pending export, temporary license (≤ 60 days) mandatory third-party testing: issue Chinese and English qualification reports (necessary for customs clearance) Repairing: cleaning, minor repairs, appearance finishing, and keeping preparation records

3. Certification and customs declaration

Apply for an export license on the platform of the Ministry of Commerce (3 working days) Customs "single window" customs declaration: product name format Old + brand + displacement + model (example: old Toyota 2.0LSUV) Documents: license, contract, invoice, box list, test report, and copy of registration certificate

4. Logistics and Delivery

transport

small quantity: container (2 sets of 20 feet, 4 sets of 40 feet), depending on the size of the car; batch quantity: RO-RO; freight forwarder: freight forwarder with second-hand car/car export experience; closing: within 2 months after export, cancel registration with customs declaration

4. Three models for starting novices (risk from low to high)

Agent/affiliate (0 basic preferred)

Cooperate with qualified companies, use their qualifications to export, and collect commissions. Advantages: no need to apply for your own qualifications, low risk, and quick trial and error

Light assets: order first and then car (do not hoard cars)

Accept customer orders first → collect deposit → find a car domestically Advantages: Minimum capital occupation and no inventory risk

Self-operated + small inventory

Suitable for popular models (such as domestic SUVs and pickup trucks): stable customer base and sufficient funds

5. Five major risks that novices must avoid

If there are incomplete procedures and inconsistent information for compliance risks, the vehicle will be detained, returned, and fined. There are risks to the source of the vehicle. For example, accidents, water tankers, and meter shunting vehicles will lead to overseas rejection and may also be claimed. Financial risks: arrears of final payment → insist on payment and delivery. Logistics risks are that it may be damaged during shipping and may be stranded in the port after arriving at the port. The solution is to buy freight insurance and choose reliable freight forwarding policy risks: Target countries suddenly increase taxes or deny entry → Pay close attention to the warnings of the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Commerce

6. Starting capital and team (minimum configuration)

In terms of funds, for novices, it is recommended to prepare about 200,000 to 500,000, of which the turnover includes many aspects such as vehicle collection, certification, logistics, and advance funds)

Team (3 people only)

Business: Understand used cars + basics of foreign trade + or Xiaobai understands English (recruiting college students) Documents/customs: Outsourcing foreign languages: English/Russian/French (look at the market)

7. 3-month start plan (can be implemented directly)

Month 1: Register the company, apply for import and export rights, and establish online customer acquisition channels. Month 2: Study 1 - 2 target markets. Month 3: Apply for export qualifications. Receive the first order (1 - 3 vehicles in small batches); Go through the entire process

Source: Xiong Yu, digital automobile export

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