Importing a Car from China: How the Process Works

Importing a car from China is not complicated once you know the stages it goes through and where delays tend to appear. Below is the full route as it actually runs, with practical notes on what to watch at each step. At Imeri Motors, we built our process around one idea: you should know what you are paying for and what condition the car is in before money changes hands.

1. Selection

Everything starts with a specific listing. Our catalogue carries real listings from the Chinese market at the prices they sell for locally. Three parameters matter most: model year, mileage and trim.

Trim deserves more attention than most buyers give it. On the Chinese market a single model often has up to five trims, with price differences reaching 30%. Two cars that look identical in photos can differ a lot in engine, driver-assistance features, interior materials and battery options. Before you fall for a price, check exactly which trim it is and whether that is the version you want.

• Compare the full specification, not just the model name.
• Check that the mileage is realistic for the model year.
• Think about how you will use the car: city driving, long trips, mountain roads, winter conditions.
• For electric cars, ask about the battery version and not only the headline range.

2. Inspection

We inspect the chosen car on site: paint thickness, accident traces, service history, and battery condition on electric vehicles. This is the stage where a listing described as "accident-free" sometimes turns out to be a repaired car. That is exactly why inspection happens before payment, not after.

Each check tells you something different. Uneven paint thickness can point to bodywork or repainting. Gaps between panels and traces in hidden areas can suggest a past impact. The service history shows whether the car was looked after or only kept presentable. On an electric car, battery condition is often the single biggest factor in its real value, so it should never be taken on trust.

3. Agreement and payment

After inspection the final amount is fixed. One important detail: the price shown in our catalogue already covers the full cost of the car on site. It is not a starting or auction price that later collects additional charges inside China.

Make sure the agreed figure is written down and that you understand what it includes. A clear agreement protects both sides and removes most later disagreements.

4. Rail transport

Cars travel by rail and arrive directly in Tbilisi. The typical transit time is 25-35 days. Compared with sea freight this is considerably faster and far less exposed to port congestion.

Plan around this period realistically. If you need a car for a specific event or season, allow extra time for the stages before and after the journey.

5. Customs clearance

On arrival the car goes through customs. The amount payable depends on vehicle type, engine capacity, age and other parameters, so we calculate the exact figure for your specific car in advance and send it to you. For a general estimate, use the calculator on the site.

Because the customs amount depends on the particulars of each vehicle, two cars with a similar price can end up with very different totals. That is why it is worth checking the clearance cost before you commit to a model, not after.

6. Handover

Once clearance is complete the car is ready for registration. You receive the full document set: certificate of origin, transport documents and the customs declaration.

What to agree in advance

• Who pays for what - which costs are inside the agreed figure and which are not.
• What happens if the inspection finds a problem - in our case we simply do not take the car and look for another one.
• Timing - the 25-35 days covers transport only, not selection or customs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing by price alone. A low price often means a simpler trim, higher mileage or hidden repairs. Compare like with like.
• Trusting the description instead of the inspection. Words such as "accident-free" or "one careful owner" are not evidence. Paint readings and service records are.
• Ignoring customs costs until the end. The total cost of the car in Georgia includes clearance, so look at it from the start.
• Counting only the transport time. Selection, inspection and clearance all take time as well.
• Not asking about equipment differences. Cars built for the Chinese market can have features and settings that differ from what you may expect, so ask about anything that matters to you.

What to check when you receive the car

• Compare the VIN on the car with the VIN in every document.
• Make sure you have the certificate of origin, transport documents and customs declaration.
• Check that trim, colour and equipment match what was agreed.
• Compare the condition of the car with the inspection findings.
• Keep all documents together, as you will need them for registration.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to travel to China to buy a car?

No. The car is inspected on site on your behalf, and you decide after seeing the results. If the car has problems, we do not take it and look for another one.

Is the catalogue price final?

The catalogue price already covers the full cost of the car on site, with no later charges added inside China. Customs clearance in Georgia is calculated separately for your specific car, and we send you the exact figure in advance.

How long does delivery take?

Rail transit to Tbilisi typically takes 25-35 days. That figure covers transport only, not selection or customs clearance.

What documents will I receive?

You receive the certificate of origin, the transport documents and the customs declaration, so the car is ready for registration once clearance is complete.

If you already have a specific model in mind, write to us and we will send you an exact calculation the same day. You can also use the calculator on the site for a quick estimate.