Frequently Asked Questions – Importing Chinese Vehicles to Europe
Got questions about importing vehicles from China to Europe or the UK? We have compiled answers to the 50 most-asked questions covering shipping to European ports, EU and UK import duties, anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese EVs, type approval, COC documentation, EORI registration, warranty, and after-sales support. Contact sales@chinesecar.eu for a personalised quote.
Shipping & Logistics to Europe
Standard RoRo transit from Shanghai to Rotterdam or Hamburg is 25–32 days. Transit to Southampton (UK) is 28–38 days. Antwerp and Zeebrugge run 26–34 days. We provide real-time vessel tracking from port of loading in China to your European port of arrival.
We ship to all major European RoRo ports: Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), Zeebrugge (Belgium), Bremerhaven (Germany), Southampton (UK), Tilbury (UK), and Piraeus (Greece). Rotterdam handles our highest volume and offers the most frequent sailings from Shanghai.
We offer RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping for standard vehicles — the most cost-effective option for European routes — and full container shipping for luxury, high-value, or right-hand-drive vehicles requiring maximum protection. RoRo is used for the majority of European shipments due to frequency and cost.
Yes. All shipments include comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance from loading in China to arrival at your European port. Coverage includes transit damage, theft, and weather events. Full insurance certificates and documentation are provided before departure and are required for EU customs clearance.
Yes. You receive a vessel name, sailing date, and container or vehicle tracking number at booking confirmation. We send weekly transit updates by email, plus a port arrival notification and estimated EU customs release date. Vessel position can also be tracked in real time via MarineTraffic.
We coordinate with our port agents at Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Southampton to resolve delays promptly. Port storage (demurrage) up to 10 free days is standard at most European RoRo terminals. We handle communication with terminal operators and customs authorities on your behalf.
A standard 40-foot container holds 2–3 vehicles depending on size. Compact cars and sedans typically fit 3; large SUVs fit 2. For European routes, most standard vehicles ship via RoRo rather than container, which is more frequent and cost-effective for the China-Europe route.
Yes. We coordinate inland delivery from the European port to your location — whether a dealership in Germany, a fleet depot in France, or a private address in the UK. Inland transport costs are quoted upfront. We work with established European vehicle transporter networks.
Our primary export port is Shanghai, offering the most frequent sailings to European ports and the most competitive freight rates on the China-Europe route. Vehicles produced in other regions of China may ship from Ningbo or Tianjin depending on manufacturer location.
EU and UK are separate customs territories post-Brexit. Vehicles shipped to Rotterdam or Hamburg clear EU customs under EU import regulations. Vehicles shipped to Southampton or Tilbury clear UK customs under HMRC rules. Import duties, type approval requirements, and VAT rates differ between the two. We handle both routes and provide separate quotes per destination.
Pricing, Import Duties & EU Anti-Dumping Tariffs
The standard EU import tariff on vehicles from China is 6.5% of the CIF value (vehicle price + insurance + freight). For Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, the EU has applied additional countervailing duties since late 2024: BYD +17.8%, Geely/Volvo +19.7%, SAIC +35.3%, and other manufacturers approximately +21%. These apply on top of the standard 6.5%. We disclose all applicable duties in your landed cost estimate before you commit.
The UK applies a standard import duty of 6.5% on vehicles from China under the UK Global Tariff. Unlike the EU, the UK has not yet introduced equivalent countervailing duties on Chinese EVs as of mid-2026. UK VAT at 20% applies in addition. We provide separate UK-specific landed cost estimates for all UK-bound orders.
Every quote includes: factory vehicle price, pre-shipment inspection fee, export documentation, port handling in China, ocean freight, and cargo insurance. EU or UK import duties, VAT, port handling at destination, and customs broker fees are calculated separately and disclosed in a full landed cost sheet before you place your order.
EU landed cost = factory price + inspection + export documentation + ocean freight + cargo insurance + EU customs duty (6.5%) + applicable EV countervailing duty + destination country VAT (19–25% depending on country) + port handling + customs broker fees + inland transport. We provide a complete itemized landed cost sheet with every quote.
Yes. Volume discounts apply from 5 vehicles upward: 5–10 units 2–4% off, 10–20 units 4–6%, 20–50 units 6–10%, 50+ units custom wholesale pricing with a dedicated account manager. European dealer partnerships include priority stock allocation and flexible payment terms.
We accept international bank transfer (T/T) as our primary method, letter of credit (L/C) for orders above $50,000, and installment arrangements for pre-qualified institutional buyers. All pricing is in USD. EUR and GBP equivalents are provided on request and are indicative at the time of quotation.
The standard deposit is 30% of the total vehicle order value, payable before inspection commences. The remaining 70% is due before shipment from China, unless alternative terms have been agreed in writing. For established European dealer accounts, deferred payment terms are negotiable.
No. Every quotation is fully itemized with no hidden charges. Vehicle price, inspection, documentation, freight, insurance, port handling, EU duties, and VAT are all listed separately. We are transparent about the EU countervailing duties on Chinese EVs and include them in every EV quote so you see the true landed cost.
EU countervailing duty rates are subject to ongoing review by the European Commission. Some manufacturers are subject to individual rates following investigation; others fall under the general rate. We monitor EU trade regulation updates and advise customers on current applicable rates at the time of each order. Contact sales@chinesecar.eu for the latest duty position for your specific vehicle.
Yes. Fleet orders of 20+ vehicles qualify for custom pricing, a dedicated account manager, and priority scheduling. Fleet buyers also receive extended warranty options, flexible payment terms, and COC documentation support. Contact sales@chinesecar.eu with your fleet specifications for a tailored European fleet proposal.
Type Approval, Homologation & EU/UK Compliance
EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 is the mandatory certification required before a vehicle can be registered in any EU member state. It confirms the vehicle meets EU safety, emissions (Euro 6d), and environmental standards. Chinese Car in Europe provides all available technical documentation from manufacturers to support your WVTA application or individual vehicle approval process.
A Certificate of Conformity (COC) is a document issued by the vehicle manufacturer confirming the vehicle conforms to the approved vehicle type under EU type approval. It is required for vehicle registration in EU member states. Chinese Car in Europe provides COC documentation where available from manufacturers, or guides buyers through the individual approval process for models without existing EU type approval.
An increasing number of Chinese vehicle models sold in Europe have EU WVTA, particularly brands like BYD, MG (SAIC), and Volvo (Geely). However, many newer or less common Chinese models do not yet hold EU type approval and require individual vehicle approval (IVA) in the destination country. We advise on the approval status of each specific model before purchase.
Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is the UK’s alternative route to registration for vehicles without UK Type Approval (UKTA). It involves a physical inspection by DVSA against UK technical standards. Chinese Car in Europe provides all available technical documentation, Chinese-to-English translation, and pre-IVA preparation support for UK-bound vehicles without existing UKTA.
Many current Chinese vehicle models meet Euro 6d emission standards, which is the current EU requirement for new vehicle registration. We verify Euro 6d compliance status for each model before export. Vehicles not meeting Euro 6d cannot be registered as new vehicles in the EU and may be restricted from urban low emission zones (LEZs) across European cities.
Yes, subject to type approval. Vehicles with valid EU WVTA can be registered in any EU member state including Germany (TÜV), France (Contrôle Technique), and the Netherlands (RDW). Vehicles without EU WVTA require national type approval in the destination country. Chinese Car in Europe provides documentation support for the most common EU registration markets.
Pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are exempt from Euro 6d exhaust emission standards as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. However, they must still meet EU safety regulations under WVTA including ECE R100 (battery safety), ECE R10 (electromagnetic compatibility), and UNECE pedestrian warning sound requirements. We verify EV-specific regulatory compliance for each model.
Most Chinese EVs exported to Europe are fitted with CCS2 (Combined Charging System Type 2) charging connectors, which is the EU standard. Some older or non-EU-spec models may use GB/T (Chinese standard) connectors. We confirm charging compatibility for every EV order and can advise on adapter availability for models with non-standard connectors.
Access to LEZs across European cities (London ULEZ, Paris ZFE, Amsterdam, Brussels, etc.) depends on the vehicle’s emission standard, not its country of manufacture. Chinese EVs are typically exempt from LEZ restrictions. Petrol and diesel vehicles must meet the relevant emission standard for the specific LEZ they enter. We provide Euro emission classification for every vehicle we export.
For UK registration via DVLA you will need: a valid V5C (Logbook) application, evidence of UK type approval or successful IVA, customs import entry (C88/E2), proof of insurance, and MOT certificate (for vehicles over 3 years). Chinese Car in Europe provides all China-side documentation required to support the UK registration process including translated technical specifications.
Import Documentation & Customs Procedures
Required documents for EU vehicle import include: commercial invoice, bill of lading (B/L), packing list, certificate of origin (EUR.1 or standard origin declaration), vehicle technical specification sheet, pre-shipment inspection report, COC (Certificate of Conformity) or equivalent, EU customs import declaration (SAD), and EORI number of the importer. Chinese Car in Europe prepares all China-side export documents.
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier required by EU and UK customs authorities for all businesses engaged in international trade. You must have an EORI number to import vehicles commercially into the EU or UK. EU EORI is issued by your national customs authority (e.g., Zoll in Germany, Douanes in France). UK EORI is issued by HMRC. Chinese Car in Europe provides all supporting documentation for your customs broker to process the import declaration using your EORI.
Vehicles are classified under Chapter 87 of the EU Combined Nomenclature (CN). Common CN codes: passenger cars (87032X where X varies by engine/fuel type), electric vehicles (8703 80 10), pickup trucks (8704), and buses (8702). Correct CN classification determines the applicable duty rate including any countervailing duties. Our documentation team applies the correct CN code to every export shipment.
We prepare and provide all China-side export documentation required for EU customs clearance, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and technical specification sheets. We recommend engaging a licensed EU customs broker (Zollspediteur/commissionnaire en douane) for final clearance at Rotterdam, Hamburg, or your chosen EU port of entry.
UK customs clearance for imported vehicles is processed through HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS). You or your appointed customs broker submit an import declaration using your UK EORI number. Import duty (6.5%), VAT (20%), and any other applicable levies are assessed. Chinese Car in Europe provides all required export documents to your UK customs broker for a smooth clearance at Southampton or Tilbury.
A certificate of origin confirms where the vehicle was manufactured. For Chinese vehicles, this is China, making them subject to the full EU MFN tariff rate (6.5%) and any applicable countervailing duties. The certificate of origin must be presented at EU customs clearance. Chinese Car in Europe provides a formal certificate of origin with every shipment, issued by the relevant Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Yes. EU temporary admission allows vehicles to be imported duty-free for up to 6 months for specific purposes (exhibitions, testing, evaluation). Full import duty applies when the vehicle is placed on the EU market permanently. If you are evaluating a Chinese vehicle for potential bulk purchase, Chinese Car in Europe can advise on temporary admission procedures for your specific use case.
We quote on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to your named European port as standard — this covers the vehicle price, export documentation, ocean freight, and cargo insurance to the port of destination. DAP (Delivered at Place) to your premises is available for full door-to-door delivery at additional cost. FOB (Free on Board) Shanghai is available for buyers who prefer to arrange their own freight.
EU customs clearance at Rotterdam or Hamburg for correctly documented vehicle shipments typically takes 3–7 business days. Complex cases involving tariff classification queries or anti-dumping duty reviews may take longer. Complete and accurate documentation — which our team prepares rigorously — is the single most important factor in fast clearance. UK customs clearance at Southampton typically takes 3–10 business days.
The EU does not ban Chinese vehicle imports but applies countervailing duties on Chinese-manufactured EVs. Vehicles must comply with EU type approval (WVTA) for registration. Some specific models may be subject to EU market surveillance investigations. Chinese Car in Europe monitors EU trade and regulatory developments and advises customers on any restrictions affecting specific models before purchase confirmation.
After-Sales, Warranty & Ongoing Support
Yes. All vehicles include a standard 12-month mechanical warranty covering major powertrain components. Extended warranties of 24 or 36 months are available at additional cost. All warranty claims are processed through Chinese Car in Europe at sales@chinesecar.eu with a guaranteed 48-hour response.
Email sales@chinesecar.eu with your vehicle details, order reference, inspection report number, and a description and photographs of the fault. Our after-sales team responds within 48 business hours. Approved claims are resolved through repair cost reimbursement or replacement part supply from China via air freight to your European location.
Yes. Chinese Car in Europe supplies genuine OEM spare parts factory-direct for all models we export. Parts ship to Europe by air freight (5–10 days) or sea freight (25–35 days to Rotterdam). Pricing is factory-direct with no distributor markups. We maintain parts availability for all models we have sold into the European market.
BYD has established dealer and service networks across Western Europe. MG (SAIC) has extensive European coverage. Volvo (Geely) operates its existing European network. For other Chinese brands, Chinese Car in Europe provides full technical documentation, service manuals in English and German, and remote diagnostic support to assist any qualified European workshop.
We provide: 12-month warranty processing, factory-direct OEM spare parts supply, technical documentation in English and German, remote EV diagnostic support, software update coordination, COC reissuance assistance where needed, and a dedicated after-sales contact at sales@chinesecar.eu throughout your ownership or dealer partnership period.
Yes. EV battery packs are covered for manufacturing defects for 12 months as standard. Extended battery warranty of up to 36 months or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) is available. Battery warranty does not cover capacity degradation from improper charging practices, use of non-compatible charging equipment, or physical damage. SoH (state of health) at delivery is documented in the pre-shipment inspection report.
Yes. If a delivered vehicle has undisclosed faults materially absent from the pre-shipment inspection report, you have 30 days from delivery to file a return or repair claim with supporting evidence. We cover repair costs or provide a replacement vehicle at no additional charge. Cosmetic wear consistent with standard transport is excluded.
Technical and owner’s manuals in English are provided as standard for all models we export. German and French versions are available for the most popular models. For other European languages, we arrange professional automotive translation. Digital copies are provided at delivery confirmation. Printed manuals can be arranged on request.
Fleet buyers in Europe receive: a dedicated account manager, priority after-sales response within 24 hours, bulk OEM spare parts pricing, extended fleet warranty options, COC documentation support for multi-country registration, and annual fleet performance reviews. Contact sales@chinesecar.eu to establish your European fleet support agreement.
Email: sales@chinesecar.eu. Website: chinesecar.eu. Our after-sales team is available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Central European Time (CET / UTC+1). For urgent warranty matters, mark URGENT in your email subject line for same-day response. UK customers: note CET is UTC+1 (1 hour ahead of UK time in winter, same in summer).