Importing new vehicles from China to Mexico requires customs clearance through the Tax Administration Service (SAT) via a licensed customs broker (agente aduanal) filing a pedimento. Chinese vehicles do not qualify for USMCA preferential duty and are subject to the general import tax (IGI) of 20%, plus 16% VAT (IVA, 8% in the northern border zone) and the new-vehicle tax (ISAN). The used-vehicle "definitive import" decree (DOF 2024, extended to 30 November 2026) is limited to North-American-built vehicles, so Chinese used cars are effectively excluded from that regularisation path; importing as new units is the realistic route. All vehicles must pass NOM-194-SCFI safety certification and NOM-042-SEMARNAT emissions certification, and meet Mexican technical standards (NOM). Mexico drives on the right, and right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be imported. Main clearance ports are Veracruz, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cárdenas. Prepare the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, proof of title, and NOM certificates in advance, and engage an SAT-authorized broker. Confirm current rules via SAT and the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF).
What are the rules for importing a car from China into Mexico?
Age limit: Used vehicles: the DOF 2024 'definitive import' decree (in force to 30 Nov 2026) covers only North-American-built vehicles, so Chinese used cars are effectively excluded from this regularisation path — import as new units.
Import duty & taxes: Chinese vehicles do not qualify for USMCA preferential duty and pay the general import tax (IGI) of 20%, plus 16% VAT (IVA, 8% in the northern border zone) and the new-vehicle tax (ISAN).
Authority & certification: Tax Administration Service (SAT). Vehicles must pass NOM-194-SCFI safety certification and NOM-042-SEMARNAT emissions certification and meet Mexican technical standards (NOM); clearance is via an SAT-authorized customs broker (agente aduanal) filing a pedimento.
Import facts at a glance
Import duty & taxes
Chinese vehicles do not qualify for USMCA preferential duty and pay the general import tax (IGI) of 20%, plus 16% VAT (IVA, 8% in the northern border zone) and the new-vehicle tax (ISAN).
Age limit
Used vehicles: the DOF 2024 'definitive import' decree (in force to 30 Nov 2026) covers only North-American-built vehicles, so Chinese used cars are effectively excluded from this regularisation path — import as new units.
Steering
Left-hand drive. Right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be imported.
Main ports / entry
Veracruz, Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas.
Authority & certification
Tax Administration Service (SAT). Vehicles must pass NOM-194-SCFI safety certification and NOM-042-SEMARNAT emissions certification and meet Mexican technical standards (NOM); clearance is via an SAT-authorized customs broker (agente aduanal) filing a pedimento.
Required documents
Commercial invoice, certificate of origin, proof of title and NOM certificates. Prepare these in advance and engage an SAT-authorized broker.
Figures are indicative and based on SAT and Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) publications (sat.gob.mx, dof.gob.mx). Chinese vehicles do not qualify for USMCA and pay a 20% general import tax (IGI) plus 16% VAT (IVA) and the new-vehicle tax (ISAN); Chinese used cars are effectively excluded from regularisation, so import as new units. Confirm current rules with SAT and the DOF before shipping. Sources: Tax Administration Service (SAT) (sat.gob.mx); Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) (dof.gob.mx). Last reviewed 2026-10.
EZ Auto's team has 15–20 years of experience in China's car export business. We have taken our first concrete step in Chile — building local presence and partnerships — and are now extending the same order-based, document-complete model across South America country by country. We do not rely on transshipment shortcuts; every car is sourced directly in China, inspected before payment, and shipped with full export documents.
A typical order runs in seven steps: you confirm the model, specification and quantity; we source and verify availability in China; you approve the unit and we sign the contract; inspection takes place before payment; export clearance and booking are arranged in China; the vehicle sails from a Chinese port and we send you the shipping documents; you clear customs on arrival with your local broker. Payment terms, delivery windows and inspection scope are agreed in the contract for each order — we do not publish standing figures, because sourcing and freight conditions change. Our role ends at the destination port; import clearance and inland delivery are handled locally, with our document support throughout.
FAQ
Can EZ Auto ship cars to South America?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, with full export documents and door-to-port logistics.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.
Why are used-car rules so different between countries?
Each country sets its own age limits, duties and emission standards. Chile restricts used imports; Peru and Ecuador allow recent used cars; Colombia mostly prohibits them. We tailor the sourcing (new vs used) to each market.
What documents do I receive?
Contract, commercial invoice, export declaration, certificate of origin, packing list and the vehicle's Chinese documents — enough for clearance in your destination country.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 30–55 days depending on the route (sea to Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia; overland via Chile for Bolivia). We keep you updated at every stage.
Should I start with new cars in Chile, or used cars in Peru and Ecuador?
It depends on the licence you hold and the working capital you want to commit. Chile is the most open market for new vehicles and already has a competitive dealer network; Peru and Ecuador admit recent used cars, so a used-car programme follows a different cost and inspection profile but faces tighter age, mileage and emission checks. Colombia is essentially a new-car market with preferential treatment for new energy models; Bolivia favours electric vehicles through duty exemptions. Several importers run two lines — new cars for Chile and Colombia, recent used cars for Peru and Ecuador.
How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?
It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.
How do we start?
Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.
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