🚗 The editor will show you step by step: A complete guide to entrusting a Hong Kong used car export agent

Although Hong Kong's automobile market is small, because there is no automobile production in Hong Kong, many car models are imported from overseas. After a few years of local use, car owners may want to change their cars or the car may be old and the market price has fallen. At this time, exporting used cars overseas (such as Southeast Asia, Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.) becomes an option.
However, the export process itself is complex, so many car owners choose to entrust a professional export agent . Let's walk you through the steps, starting with the basics and moving on to the complexities.

1️⃣ Why look for an agent?

In Hong Kong, exporting a used car involves several steps:

• Find overseas buyers
• Processing of export documents (customs declaration, export certificate)
• Arrange sea or air shipment
• Payment and remittance security
• Vehicle customs clearance and landing procedures

If you have no experience, it is easy to make mistakes or even get cheated.
An export agent helps you:

• Find suitable overseas markets and buyers
• Processing of full set of export documents
• Provide payment guarantee (some intermediaries provide payment collection services)
• Arrange trailers, container loading, and shipping

2️⃣ The process of entrusting an intermediary (Hong Kong perspective)

Step 1: Screening agencies

• Check background : Search the company name + "reviews" and "complaints" online
• Check the license plate : Although Hong Kong export vehicle intermediaries do not necessarily need a special license, if they are involved in the sale of vehicles, it is best for the intermediary or agent to have a business registration (BR)
• Ask about the fees : some charge commission, some charge a fixed handling fee, and some charge export agency fees + shipping fees.
• Professionalism : whether detailed quotation, export process chart, and successful cases are provided

Step 2: Sign the entrustment agreement

The agent will usually provide a written contract that includes:

• Vehicle information (license plate, chassis number, year, mileage, condition)
• Sales price or consignment sales model (fixed price/auction price/commission on the final price)
• Intermediary fees (commission rate, miscellaneous fees, shipping costs)
• Trade terms (FOB, CIF, etc.)
• Payment terms (collection time, payment method)

📌Editor 's Tip : Be sure to carefully check the payment arrangements to avoid receiving payment after the goods have been shipped.

Step 3: Prepare your vehicle and documents

The following documents are required to export a used car from Hong Kong:

• Vehicle Registration Document (commonly known as "vehicle registration document")
• Copy of vehicle owner's ID card (or company BR copy)
• Sales contract (if there is a fixed buyer)
• Export customs declaration documents (the intermediary will handle it on your behalf)
• If the vehicle has been deregistered, a Cancellation of Vehicle Registration certificate is required.

The agent may arrange for the vehicle to be inspected and photographed to help overseas buyers understand the vehicle’s condition.

Step 4: Export Procedure

1. Customs declaration <br>The agent will submit the export declaration to the Hong Kong Customs (usually within 14 days before the shipment date).
2. Trailer to freight yard or terminal <br>The intermediary arranges a trailer company to deliver the vehicle to the container terminal or roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ship.
3. Loading/ embarking
   • Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) : Cars are directly loaded onto the ship, suitable for large-scale exports
   • Container : The vehicle is loaded into the container using a crane or a cart, which is safer.
4. Shipping to overseas ports <br>The shipping time depends on the destination, for example, it takes about 5-10 days to Southeast Asia and 25-40 days to Europe.

Step 5: Receive payment and complete transaction

• If the property is sold by an agent, they will usually deduct the commission and fees after the overseas buyer pays and remit the balance back to you.
• If you find the buyer yourself, the agent will only charge the export agency fee, and you will need to deal directly with the buyer to collect the payment.

📌 Editor's reminder:

• It is best to use L/C (letter of credit) or third-party payment guarantee to avoid the other party not paying after receiving the goods.
• Some agents will pay you a deposit first and then pay the balance after the overseas buyer receives the goods.

3️⃣ Intermediary fee model (common in Hong Kong)

1. Commission system : transaction price × percentage (usually 3% - 10%)
2. Fixed handling fee : HK$3,000 - HK$8,000 per order
3. Export agency fee + transportation fee : depends on the destination, Ro-Ro is cheaper, container is more expensive
   • Hong Kong → Malaysia (Ro-Ro): approximately HK$4,000 - HK$6,000 per vehicle
   • Hong Kong → UK (Container): Approximately HK$10,000 - HK$15,000 per vehicle

4️⃣ Editor's practical tips

• Select market : Right-hand drive cars are more popular in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and South Africa.
• Transparent vehicle condition : Provide real photos and maintenance records to increase transaction rates.
• Avoid high-tax countries : Some countries have extremely high import taxes, which can deter buyers.
• Pay attention to the law : Some countries have restrictions on the age of imported vehicles, such as New Zealand, which has a maximum age of 8 years.
• Sign a good contract : avoid verbal promises and put all terms in writing.

5️⃣ Simple Flowchart (Text Version)

車主→ 篩選中介→ 簽委託協議→ 準備文件/驗車→ 中介報關出口→ 海運/空運→ 海外清關交收→ 收款完成

💡Editor 's Summary <br>If you have no experience exporting used cars from Hong Kong overseas, finding a reliable agent is the safest way. Remember:

• There are many agencies, so don't sign blindly.
• Complete documents to ensure transaction security
• Be clear about shipping costs, commissions, and payment methods

This way, you can send your car overseas with peace of mind in exchange for a reasonable return.