Importing from China is straightforward once the full landed cost is on the table up front. Freight, duties, inspection and local registration all sit outside the vehicle invoice, and each one varies by destination market.
Start with the destination, not the car
Port capacity, duty schedules and homologation rules differ between Lagos, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti and the other common gateways. Confirm which ports accept RoRo or container shipments for your vehicle class before you lock a purchase — it can change which GAC model makes sense.
Container or RoRo
- 40ft high cube — typically two SUVs or three sedans depending on dimensions. Fully enclosed and the best protection for new stock.
- 20ft general — one vehicle, suited to single units and mixed consignments with spare parts loaded alongside.
- RoRo — driven aboard a dedicated car carrier. The most economical option at volume on serviced routes.
- Mixed-model containers are accepted; we optimise the loading plan to cut the per-unit cost.
Documents we prepare
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading and the export declaration. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models also ship with UN38.3 documentation for the pack, at a 30–50% state of charge as the carrier requires. Everything is assembled before the vessel sails so clearance is not held up on arrival.
Timing
In-stock vehicles can be loaded within ten working days of payment. Sourced-to-order units are confirmed per model on the quotation. Transit is typically three to five weeks by RoRo to East African ports and four to six weeks by container into Asia, from loading.
Send us the model, destination port and volume and we will come back with a landed-cost estimate and a realistic sailing date within one business day.
