[email protected] • +971-507-361-384
The ABCs of Exporting Cars from China to North Africa

The ABCs of Exporting Cars from China to North Africa

September 11, 2025

Exporting Cars from China to North Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

META: Gain insights on exporting cars from China to North Africa, including costs, timelines, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid.

TL;DR

Exporting cars from China to North Africa involves several key steps including sourcing vehicles, arranging transportation, preparing necessary documents, and complying with both Chinese and North African customs regulations. The entire process, from sourcing to delivery, can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. Costs vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, shipping method, and destination port.

Cost Drivers

Exporting cars from China involves several cost components. Here are the major ones:

  • Purchase Price: The cost of buying the vehicle in China.
  • Shipping Costs: Costs associated with transporting the car to North Africa, including freight charges, fuel surcharges, and port fees.
  • Insurance: Insuring the car during transit.
  • Import Duties: Fees charged by North African countries for importing the vehicle.

Timeline

The timeline for exporting cars from China to North Africa typically follows this pattern:

  1. Sourcing Vehicles (1–2 weeks): Finding the right vehicles in China to export.
  2. Transport Preparation (1–2 weeks): Preparing the vehicles for transport, including inspection and documentation.
  3. Shipping (2–4 weeks): The transportation time from China to North Africa, dependent on the shipping method and destination port.
  4. Customs Clearance (1–2 weeks): The time it takes for the vehicle to clear customs in the destination country.

Documents Checklist

The following documents are typically required for exporting cars from China to North Africa:

  • Bill of Lading: A document issued by the carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.
  • Commercial Invoice: A document provided by the seller to the buyer, detailing the value and description of the goods.
  • Packing List: A document detailing the specific contents of the shipment.
  • Certificate of Origin: A document certifying the country in which the goods were produced.
  • Import Declaration: A document declaring the goods being imported into the destination country.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Identify the vehicle(s) you want to export from China.
  2. Arrange for the purchase and transport of the vehicle(s) to the port of departure.
  3. Prepare necessary documentation for both export from China and import into North Africa.
  4. Arrange for shipping of the vehicle(s) from China to North Africa.
  5. Manage customs clearance at the destination port in North Africa.

Pros/Cons: RoRo vs Container Shipping

  1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
  2. Pros: Typically cheaper, easier to load/unload, faster shipping times

  3. Cons: Less protection for vehicles, limited availability

  4. Container Shipping

  5. Pros: Better protection for vehicles, widely available
  6. Cons: More expensive, longer loading/unloading times

Common Mistakes

  • Underestimating Costs: It's crucial to factor in all costs, including shipping, insurance, and import duties.
  • Incomplete Documentation: Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or fines.
  • Misunderstanding Customs Regulations: Each North African country has its own import regulations, failure to comply can result in penalties or seizure of the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What's the cheapest way to ship a car from China to North Africa?

  2. Typically, RoRo shipping is the cheapest option.

  3. How long does it take to ship a car from China to North Africa?

  4. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the shipping method and destination port.

  5. What documents do I need to export cars from China?

  6. The main documents are the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and Import Declaration.

  7. Do I need insurance to ship a car from China to North Africa?

  8. While not mandatory, it's highly recommended to insure the vehicle during transit.

  9. Can I ship any type of car from China to North Africa?

  10. Each North African country has its own import regulations, which may limit the types of vehicles that can be imported.

← Back to Blog