How to import a Toyota RAV4 from China: the export process

Importing a RAV4 through EVtoU takes five steps. We confirm availability, quote FOB or CIF, agree terms in writing, inspect the vehicles and ship them with the export documents. In-stock vehicles can ship within 10 working days after payment.

Get an Export Quote

Step by step

1
1. Inquiry
Send the model year, trim, quantity, color and destination country.
- Not sure about trims? Tell us your use and budget and we will recommend one.
- For used vehicles, tell us your country’s maximum import age.
2
2. Communication & quotation
Sales confirms availability and sends an FOB or CIF quotation.
- We reply within 24 hours on WhatsApp or email.
- Mixed-model orders are quoted with a container loading plan.
3
3. Order confirmation
Vehicles, price, payment terms and delivery date are agreed in a written proforma invoice or contract.
- Nothing is final until both sides confirm in writing.
4
4. Inspection
Each vehicle is checked before export and you receive photos or video.
- Used vehicles: mileage, VIN and condition are documented per unit.
- You can nominate a third-party inspection company at your cost.
5
5. Shipping & after-sales
We complete export customs, load the vehicles and send you the shipping documents.
- You receive photos of loading and the bill of lading when the vessel departs.
- Sales stays your contact after delivery for follow-up questions.

FOB or CIF: which should you choose?

FOB suits buyers who already have a freight forwarder; CIF suits buyers who want one price to their port. Both are defined in the ICC Incoterms® 2020 rules.

FOB (Free On Board)

We deliver the vehicles loaded on board the vessel at the Chinese port.

You book and pay sea freight and insurance from that point.

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)

We pay freight and minimum insurance to your destination port.

You pay destination port charges, import duty and clearance.

Definitions summarised from the ICC Incoterms® 2020 rules. Your contract states which term applies.

Which documents will I receive?

Typical export documents for a vehicle shipment are listed below. Your importer or customs broker should confirm what your country requires.

Commercial invoice	States the vehicles, VINs, value and Incoterm.
Packing list	Lists each vehicle and how it is packed or loaded.
Bill of lading (B/L)	Issued by the carrier; needed to collect the vehicles at destination.
Certificate of origin (CO)	Shows the country of origin, often used for duty assessment.
Vehicle documents	Export and ownership papers for each vehicle, as required for registration.

Inspection before export

Exterior, interior and mechanical check of each vehicle.
Photos or video sent to you at inspection and at loading.
Third-party inspection can be arranged on request.

Payment terms

Payment terms are agreed per order and written into the proforma invoice or contract.
Vehicles in stock are prepared for shipment after payment is received.
Ask sales which payment methods are available for your country.

FAQs

How long does delivery take?

In-stock vehicles: shipment can be arranged within 10 working days after payment. Custom or specific models: delivery time depends on sourcing and preparation. Please contact our sales team for a confirmed timeline.

Who pays import duty?

The buyer pays import duty, taxes and clearance at destination under both FOB and CIF.

Can I use my own freight forwarder?

Yes. Choose FOB and your forwarder takes over once the vehicles are loaded at the Chinese port.

How to get an FOB or CIF quote

Send these five details and sales can quote in one reply instead of five:

Get an Export Quote WhatsApp Sales

Step by step

1. Inquiry

Send the model year, trim, quantity, color and destination country.

Not sure about trims? Tell us your use and budget and we will recommend one.
For used vehicles, tell us your country’s maximum import age.

2. Communication & quotation

Sales confirms availability and sends an FOB or CIF quotation.

We reply within 24 hours on WhatsApp or email.
Mixed-model orders are quoted with a container loading plan.

3. Order confirmation

Vehicles, price, payment terms and delivery date are agreed in a written proforma invoice or contract.

Nothing is final until both sides confirm in writing.

4. Inspection

Each vehicle is checked before export and you receive photos or video.

Used vehicles: mileage, VIN and condition are documented per unit.
You can nominate a third-party inspection company at your cost.

5. Shipping & after-sales

We complete export customs, load the vehicles and send you the shipping documents.

You receive photos of loading and the bill of lading when the vessel departs.
Sales stays your contact after delivery for follow-up questions.

Commercial invoice

States the vehicles, VINs, value and Incoterm.

Packing list

Lists each vehicle and how it is packed or loaded.

Bill of lading (B/L)

Issued by the carrier; needed to collect the vehicles at destination.

Certificate of origin (CO)

Shows the country of origin, often used for duty assessment.

Vehicle documents

Export and ownership papers for each vehicle, as required for registration.