China exported more than 7 million automobiles in 2025, including 2.615 million new-energy vehicles, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. For exporters and overseas buyers, moving those vehicles efficiently depends on three decisions: whether the vehicle can legally move, which transport mode fits the route, and whether the booking meets carrier and dangerous-goods requirements.
Table of Contents
Check export and import eligibility first
Before booking, confirm that the vehicle can leave China and be admitted to the destination market. Import rules may cover vehicle age, emissions, steering position, safety standards or local certification. These checks should come before freight selection.
China’s requirements also vary by vehicle type. From 1 January 2026, pure electric passenger vehicles under the relevant customs classification are subject to export licence management. Used vehicles follow separate rules, including quality requirements; vehicles under mortgage or pledge cannot be exported.
Match the shipping method to the route
RoRo is widely used for operable passenger cars, commercial vehicles and rolling machinery where regular car-carrier services are available. Vehicles are driven aboard, secured on dedicated decks and discharged at the destination terminal. Its main limitation is route and sailing availability.
Containers can be more practical where liner services are frequent, RoRo coverage is limited or enclosed transport is preferred. Standard vehicles can move in 20- or 40-foot containers, while suitable rack systems can increase loading density. Oversized units may require flat-rack, open-top or breakbulk transport.
For shippers comparing these choices, this overview of international car shipping explains how RoRo, container, air, rail and road options differ for vehicle movements from China.
Build the booking around exact vehicle data
A booking should use confirmed cargo data rather than the model name alone. Carriers or forwarders may require the VIN, quantity, dimensions, weight, fuel type, origin, destination and whether each vehicle is new or used. Photos and technical specifications may be needed for non-standard units.
The plan should also define the Chinese loading port, destination port, sailing schedule, terminal handover point and customs responsibilities. The importer should prepare destination permits and clearance documents before the vessel arrives.
Handle EVs as regulated cargo
Electric vehicles require additional checks. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code 2024 Edition, incorporating Amendment 42-24, became mandatory on 1 January 2026. Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles are now declared under UN 3556, with different UN entries applying to other battery types.
Carrier acceptance may also depend on battery condition, state of charge, documentation and terminal procedures. These points should be confirmed before port delivery because an incorrect declaration can delay or prevent loading.
Compare the full logistics scope
Ocean freight is only one part of the shipment. The complete movement can include pickup in China, port handling, export clearance, ocean transport, destination handling, import clearance and final collection.
When comparing quotations, check which of these items are included. A lower ocean rate may not produce a lower total cost if destination charges, storage, repositioning or handling are excluded.
