Exporting cars to China from the UK

Question

I’m looking to set up a business of exporting cars to China from the UK. However, I’ve received confusing information about whether it is even legal to export cars to China from the UK. Can somebody please advise and confirm if exporting cars to China from the UK is legal?

Many thanks

Kevin

Answer

Good Morning

To summarise briefly unless you have a very good reason to do so, then Its not going to be a very good idea for the following reasons:

• Generally residents are the only people that can legally import a car into china.

• The car must be left hand drive which precludes most UK vehicles.

• There are excessive taxes levied on car imports.

• The car must be under 1 year old and in good condition.

• There are only a handful of ports equipped to deal with vehicle imports.

So with all this in mind I would consider another destination as there are much more suitable places available in the far east. For example many former British colonies drive on the left and would be more receptive to our vehicles.

If you need any more information just give our vehicle team a shout.

Thanks

Graham Bedford
Jenkar Shipping Ltd
01977 605050

Answer

Information on the Customs requirements for exporting is given in HMRC Public Notice 275. All notices can be found on our website www.gov.uk

Type “Notice 275” in search box > Notice 275: Customs export procedures

I would also suggest that you contact the Customs Authorities in the importing countries to ascertain if there are any import restrictions on such items.

A more comprehensive guide to exporting can be found on our website by using the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-export-best-practice-guide

HM Revenue & Customs
Customs International Trade & Excise
www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus

Export Action Plan