Vehicle Shipping Documents Checklist from China (2026)

Published 2026-10-24 · ZEYANG LOGISTICS export team

Missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of delays. Use this checklist before booking your shipment from China.

1. Commercial invoice

Must show buyer, seller, vehicle description, VIN, value and currency. Used for export and import customs.

Lists the cargo, dimensions and weight. Required for container and breakbulk shipments.

Proves ownership and origin. Required for almost all destinations.

Issued by the carrier after loading. We arrange this; you receive the original or telex release.

Handled by us in China. You do not file this yourself.

De-registration certificate from the origin country for used cars, plus any age-related documents required at destination.

For electric vehicles: UN 38.3 test report, MSDS, state-of-charge declaration. See our EV battery compliance page.

Some countries require pre-shipment inspection certificates or import licences. We flag these when quoting.

Tell us what is shipping and we will come back with a method, a price and a sailing.

We prepare the export-side documents in China. You provide the vehicle title and any destination-required certificates.

Usually no. Most destinations require the original title for clearance.

Typically 3–7 working days once the vehicle is at the loading port.