China Car Pre-Shipment Inspection: New & Used Checklist

A pre-shipment inspection helps a buyer compare the delivered vehicle with the agreed order. It is most useful when its scope, evidence and issue-handling process are established before the car is prepared for export.

A new vehicle and a used vehicle need overlapping checks, but their histories and expected condition differ. This checklist helps you agree what will be checked and recorded. It does not replace destination registration approval, insurance or the manufacturer’s service requirements.

1. Agree the vehicle identity and the inspection scope

Start with the model, production year, exact trim and order equipment. Record the VIN when available and match it across the vehicle and supplied documents. Ask whether the vehicle has previously been registered and what its odometer reading represents. Clarify the agreed description of “new”, especially if registration or prior use has already occurred.

GOV.UK’s used-vehicle guidance emphasizes matching the vehicle identification with its documentation and checking available history. Its UK-specific records and procedures apply in that jurisdiction; for a China export order, request the corresponding records available for the actual vehicle and have the destination importer assess them.

2. Request useful exterior evidence

Agree photographs of all sides, the roof, glazing, wheels and accessible lower areas. Ask that any dents, scratches, paint repairs or other findings be shown clearly with their locations. For a used car, establish whether the agreed scope includes paint-depth checks or an assessment of previous damage.

A selection of attractive sales photographs is different from a vehicle-specific condition record. Ask the inspector to tie the report to the VIN and date. Where access is restricted, have the limitation recorded so you can decide whether a further check is needed.

3. Check the cabin against the order

Confirm the seat count, upholstery, keys, supplied accessories and visible equipment. Agree functional checks for the screens, air conditioning, seat controls, windows, doors and luggage-area access. Ask for photographs that show the required seating arrangement rather than only the dashboard.

For example, an order for an ONVO L90 AWD seven-seat needs the seven-seat cabin verified. A four-seat Maextro S800 Executive should be checked against its own equipment list. Similar exterior appearances can hide different configurations.

4. Agree the mechanical and electronic checks

Ask which checks can be performed for the vehicle: warning indicators, fluid levels where applicable, visible leaks, tyre condition, diagnostic information and an agreed road or functional test where permitted. Establish whether the inspector has suitable access and equipment for the requested work.

Do not interpret “inspection passed” as a statement that every possible defect has been excluded. Request a written description of the performed checks, their results and any limitations. If a specific concern matters to the purchase, add it explicitly to the agreed scope.

5. Add EV or plug-in checks

For an EV or PHEV, request charging-inlet photographs and the battery information available for the exact vehicle. Ask whether the scope includes a recorded charging demonstration and what battery diagnostics can be supplied. Distinguish an available diagnostic reading from a guarantee of future battery performance.

A new-body XPeng P7 820 Max should be identified by its exact configuration, not confused with a P7+. Read the charging compatibility checklist to plan the destination setup separately from a test performed before shipment.

6. Review history and documents for a used car

Request the available registration, ownership, maintenance, repair and accident records. Compare the reported mileage with the available records and the observed condition. Ask about flood exposure, structural repairs and any outstanding finance or transfer restrictions, with supporting evidence where available.

Have discrepancies clarified before making the purchase decision. If a record cannot be obtained, record that gap. The inspection scope and available documents should give you a clear basis for deciding whether to proceed, obtain a specialist check or choose another vehicle.

7. Decide how findings will be handled

Agree who receives the report, when it is delivered and who authorizes the next step. Establish how a defect, missing item or configuration mismatch will be handled before shipment. Options might include a documented repair, an agreed commercial adjustment, a further check or a replacement vehicle, subject to the order terms.

After agreed rectification, request evidence of the completed work and any needed re-check. Keep the report with the order records. Confirm the car that reaches the loading stage is the same VIN that was inspected.

Frequently asked questions

Should a new car be inspected?

Agree checks for identity, delivery condition, ordered equipment and preparation. A new-car description alone does not document those items for the buyer.

Does inspection include customs approval?

Vehicle condition checks and destination eligibility are different tasks. Your local importer or broker should confirm document and registration requirements.

What should I send for an inspection enquiry?

Provide the vehicle specification, VIN if available, location, condition, destination and requested checks. Include any concern that needs a specialist assessment.

Review our inspection enquiry process or request a vehicle-specific inspection scope →. Coordinate the completed checks with the agreed shipping and loading arrangements.

Reference for identity/history-check principles: GOV.UK: check a used vehicle you are buying. The UK procedures described there do not substitute for China or destination requirements.