A complete guide to exporting used cars from China to Egypt: 6 major steps to open up a 100 billion yuan market!

As demand in Egypt’s auto market continues to grow, used Chinese cars, thanks to their competitive price-performance ratio, have become a popular export option.

Data from 2025 shows that Egypt, a key auto importer in Africa, is accelerating the development of its charging infrastructure, and the growth potential for used hybrid and electric vehicles is significant.

However, the export process involves multiple compliance requirements. This step-by-step guide can help you navigate these complexities and avoid unnecessary complications.

I. Preliminary Preparations: Qualifications and Vehicle Sources Must Be Compliant 1. Company Qualifications: Must be licensed as a pilot program for used car exports from the Ministry of Commerce, possess a fixed location, at least three assessors, and have no record of violations.

Individuals must be affiliated with a qualified company.

2. Vehicle Source Selection: – Vehicle Type: Left-hand drive; Passenger cars limited to pure electric, hybrid, and disabled models; Commercial vehicles (excluding large vehicles) must be less than 10 years old. – Vehicle Age: Pure electric/hybrid passenger cars within three years are preferred; older vehicles are restricted. – Vehicle Condition: VIN verification must show no mortgages or accidents; New energy vehicle batteries must meet Egyptian standards.
3. Vehicle Transfer: Complete registration, have the Vehicle Administration Office sign “Transfer for Export,” and retain the receipt.

II. Testing and Certification: Essential Documents for Customs Clearance

1. Third-Party Testing: Commission a compliant organization to conduct standard testing, exclude vehicles with accidents or water damage, and issue a test report. This is crucial for applying for an export license.
2. Core Certification Processing: – Export License: Apply through the Ministry of Commerce platform. Submit the contract, test report, and other materials. Approval will be obtained within three business days. – COC Certification: Contact an organization like SGS or BV to inspect the vehicle and obtain a Certificate of Conformity to avoid the risk of return shipments. – Embassy Certification: The commercial invoice and certificate of origin must be certified by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Egyptian Embassy to ensure the accuracy of the vehicle frame number.

III. Transaction and Contract: Locking Risk Boundaries

1. Buyer Matching: Prioritize collaboration through B2B platforms or local dealers, focusing on popular Japanese fuel vehicles and domestic new energy vehicles (such as BYD and NIO) in Egypt.
2. Contract Terms: This must specify the payment method (prepayment + final payment recommended), vehicle condition description (including repair history, configuration details, etc.), vehicle inspection standards, and resolution plans for any discrepancies. The terms of after-sales service must also be specified.

IV. Customs Declaration for Export: Closed-Loop Domestic Process

1. Document Submission: When declaring to Chinese Customs, you must submit the export license, packing list, commercial invoice, contract, vehicle conformity certificate, etc. The product name must be indicated as “old + brand + displacement + model” and the VIN number must be accurately reported.
2. Customs Declaration Method: You can choose paperless declaration. Customs will verify the electronic export license certificate online, eliminating the need to submit a paper copy.

V. International Logistics: Key Points for Ocean Freight and Container Loading

1. Transport Method: The mainstream methods are roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels (which are ideal for fully loaded vehicles, offering advantages such as low cost and convenient loading and unloading) or 40-foot high-cubic-meter containers (which can accommodate 3-4 SUVs, but require the removal and reinforcement of rearview mirrors).
2. Special Requirements: When shipping new energy vehicles by sea, the battery charge must be reduced to below 50%, and the vehicle must be secured with nylon straps and anti-collision strips.
3. Booking Planning: Book space at least 7-14 days in advance, and inform the freight forwarder of the vehicle’s dimensions and weight. When selecting a logistics provider, prioritize those with experience in dedicated routes to Africa.

VI. Customs Clearance and Settlement in the Destination Country: Payment and Cancellation

1. Customs Clearance Assistance: Assist buyers with pre-registration in the Egyptian Customs System (Nafeza) and provide documentation. ECTN processing may be required in some cases.
2. Tax Payment: Used pure electric vehicles are duty-free and only subject to 14% VAT. Fuel-powered vehicles are subject to a tariff ranging from 40% to 135% plus 14% VAT, depending on engine displacement.
3. Inspection and Release and Payment Collection: Cooperate with customs inspection (verify VIN and engine number), collect the final payment after customs clearance, and deliver documents upon receipt.
4. Domestic Cancellation: Apply for vehicle deregistration within two months after export, submitting the customs declaration and other documents.