How to Verify a Chinese Car Exporter Before You Pay (2026 Dealer Checklist)

Before wiring a deposit to any Chinese car exporter, verify seven things: their MOFCOM export licence, an OEM authorization or dealer channel, the company registration behind the bank account, a pre-shipment inspection commitment, the full export document set, realistic payment terms, and traceable references. The single biggest loss in this trade is a deposit sent to a company that turns out to be a grey-market reseller — or not a company at all. This checklist is how a professional importer avoids that.

The Fastest Signal: Authorized Exporter Status

China requires anyone exporting passenger vehicles to hold MOFCOM authorized exporter registration. A legitimate exporter can show you that registration number, and you can verify it through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. Grey-market resellers — who buy from domestic dealers and ship without authorization — cannot. Ask for it first; if the answer is vague, stop there.

The 7-Point Verification Checklist

Match the Bank Account to the Company

This is where money is lost. A legitimate exporter invoices from a registered company and receives payment to a company bank account in that same name. If the proforma invoice says one company but the bank details are a personal account or an unrelated third party, treat it as a stop sign — no matter how good the price. Insist the beneficiary name on the wire matches the business licence.

Payment Terms That Protect You

Standard, safe terms in this trade:

• T/T 30% deposit + 70% before shipment — you pay the balance once the vehicle is prepared and (ideally) after you've seen the pre-shipment inspection report.
• L/C at sight from a major bank — the bank releases funds only against correct shipping documents.

A supplier demanding 100% payment up front, especially to a personal account, is asking you to carry all the risk. Real exporters don't need that; they have the working capital and the track record.

Insist on Pre-Shipment Inspection

A serious exporter inspects every unit before loading and sends you a photo and video report of your actual cars — not stock images. This is your proof the vehicle exists, matches the order, and is undamaged before your balance payment leaves your account. If a supplier resists inspection or only offers brochure photos, that tells you what you need to know. You can also commission an independent third-party inspection (SGS or similar) at your cost.

The Documents a Real Exporter Provides

Ask to see a sample set up front — a legitimate exporter has these ready:

• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading (or rail waybill / CMR)
• Certificate of Origin
• Certificate of Conformity (and market certifications: EAC / GCC / etc.)
• Export declaration

If they can't produce a specimen of these, they haven't shipped legally before.

Key Takeaways

• Ask for the MOFCOM export licence number first — it's the quickest way to separate a real exporter from a reseller.
• The bank account name must match the invoicing company. Personal-account payment is the top scam signal.
• Never pay 100% up front. T/T 30/70 or L/C at sight are the safe standards.
• Demand a photo & video inspection of your actual units before the balance payment.
• No verifiable references or documents = walk away, regardless of price.

How EV Auto Pro Checks Out

We hold MOFCOM authorized exporter status and AEO customs certification since 2018, with direct dealer relationships across 6 OEMs (Changan, Deepal, Qiyuan, Geely, VW China, Jetour). Every order runs the EV Auto Pro Export PDI with a photo and video report before loading, on standard T/T 30/70 or L/C terms, with the full document set provided. If you're evaluating suppliers, send us your requirement and ask us to prove any item on the checklist above — that's the test a real exporter should pass.