Thinking about importing a car from China? Chinese cars, especially electric vehicles, offer strong value, but shipping them abroad is more complex than ordinary cargo. This guide explains the export rules in China, RoRo vs container shipping, and the import duties and approval rules for Europe, the UK and the USA in 2026.
Key points
• New, used and electric cars can be exported from China, but only through companies with the right export qualification. Since 1 January 2026, pure electric passenger cars need an export licence.
• Cars ship by RoRo (driven onto a car carrier) or in containers. A 40ft high cube usually holds 2–4 cars.
• In the EU, cars pay 10% import duty plus VAT. Chinese battery-electric cars also face extra countervailing duties of 7.8%–35.3%, depending on the maker.
• The UK charges 10% duty and 20% VAT, with no extra duty on Chinese EVs at the time of writing.
• Importing Chinese cars into the USA is very restricted. Check with us before you buy.
Can You Import a Car from China?
Yes, but the rules depend on the type of car and where it is going.
- New cars: exported through the manufacturer’s official channels or licensed exporters. Since 1 January 2026, pure electric passenger cars need an export licence from the Chinese authorities.
- Used cars: must be exported by companies with used car export qualification. China has cracked down on “zero-mileage” exports: new cars registered and exported almost at once as “used”. Cars registered for less than about 180 days face strict limits.
- Electric and hybrid cars: the battery makes them dangerous goods for shipping. Carriers set rules for the battery charge level and require the right declarations.
JIEYI exports through qualified, licensed export channels, so the paperwork in China is handled correctly before your car is booked.
RoRo vs Container Shipping
There are two main ways to ship a car from China.
| RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The car is driven onto a large car carrier ship | The car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container and secured with straps and chocks |
| Cars per unit | One car, any number | 20ft: 1–2 cars · 40ft high cube: usually 2–4 cars |
| Cost | Often cheaper for one car on main routes | Cheaper per car when you fill the container |
| Protection | Exposed to sea air; small risk of cosmetic damage | Sealed and protected |
| Personal items or spare parts inside | Usually not allowed | Possible, if declared |
| Best for | Single cars and dealers on main RoRo routes | Several cars, high-value cars, cars with parts |
Which is more popular depends on the route. RoRo is common for large new-car volumes on main routes to Europe. Containers are popular for smaller batches, used cars and buyers who want extra protection. We arrange both and recommend the better option for your cars and port.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| RoRo or container | RoRo is priced per car by size; a container is priced per box and shared by the cars inside |
| Size and weight of the car | Larger SUVs and vans cost more on RoRo and fit fewer per container |
| Electric or hybrid | Batteries make the car dangerous goods, with extra documents and sometimes a surcharge |
| Ports | Main RoRo ports have more sailings and lower rates |
| Destination duties and taxes | Often larger than the freight: 10% duty plus VAT in the EU and UK, plus any extra EV duties |
| Approval and registration | Individual approval, conversions and local tests are paid at destination |
Shipping Time and Cost
| Destination | Typical sea transit (port to port) |
|---|---|
| North Europe (for example Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam) | about 35–45 days |
| UK (for example Southampton, Portbury) | about 35–45 days |
| USA West Coast | about 14–20 days |
Add time for export paperwork, loading and customs clearance at destination. Car shipping rates depend on the car’s size and weight, RoRo or container, the number of cars, the ports and whether the car is electric. We quote each shipment within 2 hours. See shipping container dimensions to see how cars fit.
Importing a Car from China into the EU
- Import duty: 10% on cars, calculated on the value including shipping.
- Extra duty on Chinese battery-electric cars: countervailing duties of 7.8%–35.3% have applied since October 2024, depending on the manufacturer. Since January 2026 the EU allows some makers to replace these duties with minimum price commitments, case by case.
- VAT: charged at the rate of the country of import, for example 19% in Germany or 21% in the Netherlands.
- Approval and registration: a car without EU type approval needs an individual approval before it can be registered. This can mean changes such as lighting, and on EVs, the charging port: Chinese cars use the GB/T plug while Europe uses Type 2 and CCS.
- Batteries: new EU battery rules in 2026 add requirements on battery documents and end-of-life collection for importers.
See shipping from China to Europe for general import steps.
Importing a Car from China into the UK
- Import duty: 10%, with no extra duty on Chinese electric cars at the time of writing.
- VAT: 20%, on the value plus shipping and duty.
- Approval and registration: the car needs GB approval or an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before it can be registered with the DVLA. Left-hand-drive cars can be registered, but may need changes such as headlights and the speedometer.
See importing from China to the UK for EORI and VAT basics.
Importing a Car from China into the USA
For most buyers, importing a Chinese car into the USA is not practical at the moment:
- Tariffs: on top of the 2.5% base duty, Chinese vehicles face Section 301 duties (100% on electric vehicles, 25% on most other cars) and Section 232 duties on imported cars.
- Safety and emissions: a car must meet US safety (FMVSS) and EPA emission standards. Cars built for the Chinese market usually do not, unless they are 25 years old or more.
- Connected vehicle rules: US rules restrict cars with Chinese-developed connected software and hardware, starting with the 2027 model year for software.
Cars that already meet US standards, or classic cars over 25 years old, can still be possible. Contact us before you buy, and we will check your case.
Documents You Need
- Commercial invoice and packing list. See commercial invoice and packing list.
- Bill of lading from the shipping line.
- Export declaration and, for electric cars, the export licence (handled by the licensed exporter).
- Vehicle documents: certificate of conformity or manufacturer certificate for new cars; registration and de-registration certificates for used cars.
- Battery and dangerous goods documents for electric and hybrid cars.
- Importer details in the destination country, such as an EORI number in the EU and UK.
Timeline: From Purchase to Delivery in Europe
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Export qualification and documents in China | 1–3 weeks |
| Collection, inspection and loading | 3–7 days |
| Sea transit to North Europe or the UK | 35–45 days |
| Import customs clearance | a few days |
| Approval and registration | Depends on the country and the car |
Checklist Before You Buy a Car in China
- Confirm the car can be registered in your country, and what approval it needs.
- Check duties and any extra EV duties for the make and model.
- Confirm the seller exports through a qualified exporter, with an export licence for electric cars.
- For used cars, check the registration date and documents.
- Decide RoRo or container, and whether you ship one car or several.
- Have your importer details ready (for example an EORI number in the EU or UK).
- Plan for charging-port or lighting changes on EVs where needed.
How We Ship Your Car
- Check the car and the rules. Tell us the make, model, year, new or used, and the destination. We check the export and import requirements first.
- Collect and inspect. We collect the car, check its condition and send you photos.
- Export through licensed channels. Export licence, declaration and documents are prepared in China.
- Load and secure. RoRo booking, or loading into a container with wheel straps and chocks.
- Customs clearance at destination. Import clearance is handled by our partner customs brokers in Europe, the UK and North America, where the car is allowed.
- Delivery. Collection at the port or delivery to your address.
Prefer one price to your door? Ask about DDP shipping.
Shipping trucks, construction machinery or other vehicles that do not fit a standard container? See oversized cargo shipping for flat rack, open top and breakbulk options.
FAQ
Can I import an electric car from China?
Yes, to Europe and the UK, if the car can be approved for registration. It must be exported through a licensed exporter, and in the EU, Chinese battery-electric cars face extra countervailing duties on top of the 10% import duty.
How many cars fit in a 40ft container?
Usually 2 to 4, depending on the size of the cars and whether racks are used.
Is RoRo or container shipping cheaper?
For one car on a main route, RoRo is often cheaper. For several cars, a shared container often costs less per car and gives better protection.
How much does it cost to ship a car from China?
It depends on RoRo or container, the size of the car, whether it is electric, and the ports. Send us the model and destination and we quote within 2 hours. Duties and VAT at destination are often larger than the freight.
Can I ship one car in a shared container?
Yes. Several buyers’ cars can share a 40ft container, which often costs less per car than a container on your own.
Can I put personal items or parts inside the car?
Usually not with RoRo. In a container it may be possible if every item is declared. Ask us before you load anything.
Do you handle customs clearance at destination?
Yes, through our partner customs brokers in Europe, the UK and other markets where the car can legally be imported. Registration and approval tests are arranged with local specialists.
Checked on 4 November 2026. Vehicle import rules and duties change often; this guide is general information, not legal advice. Planning to import a car from China? Send us the model and destination and get a quote within 2 hours.
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