Ordering a car from China is easier than it seems, if you understand the sequence of steps and know where each amount arises. PILICAR is an information platform: we do not run the deal, but help you choose a car, honestly work out the final cost and get in touch with a verified intermediary who takes the purchase to completion. Below is the whole path in full.
If you want the picture in a nutshell, there is a short How it works page, and the frequent questions are gathered in the FAQ section. Here, though, is the detailed breakdown.
Step 1. Choosing a car in the catalog
It all starts with the catalog. It updates automatically, so you see cars that are actually in stock at the suppliers, not outdated listings. Filters help sift out what does not fit: make, body type, fuel, drivetrain and — what is especially important for the budget — engine power.
Power is worth checking first: it determines whether the car will qualify for the reduced recycling fee. We wrote in detail about the 160 hp threshold and its impact on the final price in the material on the recycling fee.
Step 2. The turnkey estimate
The price on the listing is the cost of the car at the supplier in China. To understand the real costs, the car page has a turnkey estimate: delivery, customs duty, the recycling fee and mandatory fees (SBKTS, EPTS, broker services) are added to the price.
The calculation is approximate: logistics and fees are taken as average benchmarks, and the exchange rate is the current one on the calculation date. The final amount at customs depends on the exact specifications and the CBR exchange rate on the day the declaration is filed. But for the main thing — understanding the order of costs and comparing cars against each other — this is enough. How delivery and fees add up we covered in the article on logistics.
Step 3. Leave a request
You liked a car and are happy with the estimate — you can leave a request. This is not a payment or a reservation of the deal: a request is a signal to the intermediary that you are ready to discuss a specific car in substance. After it, a specialist responsible for that car gets in touch with you.
At this stage it is useful to know in advance the answers to a few questions: which city delivery is needed in, whether a specific year of manufacture matters, whether there are preferences on the trim. The more specific the inputs, the more precisely the intermediary will name the timelines and final terms.
It is also worth keeping in mind that being in the catalog is not a guarantee: while the deal is being agreed, the car may be bought by someone else. So if a specific car matters, do not delay the request — and if it has driven off anyway, the intermediary usually offers close alternatives of the same class and price.
Step 4. The intermediary runs the deal
From here the intermediary takes on the main work:
- checks and confirms the availability, condition and specifications of the car;
- agrees the final price and payment terms;
- arranges the purchase from the supplier and the preparation of export documents;
- is responsible for logistics — from the site in China to your city.
You stay in touch and control the key points, but you do not handle the operations yourself. That is exactly what the intermediary is responsible for — PILICAR helps you find a reliable one and come to them with an already calculated, clear deal.
Step 5. Customs clearance, SBKTS and EPTS
When the car reaches Russia, the paperwork stage begins:
- Customs clearance. The declaration is filed, the duty and the recycling fee are paid. The exchange rate is fixed on the date the declaration is registered.
- SBKTS — the vehicle design safety certificate. Mandatory for every imported car.
- EPTS — the electronic vehicle passport. Without it the car cannot be registered.
This block is usually handled by a customs broker — their services are included in the turnkey estimate. After the paperwork the car can be registered with the traffic police in your name.
Step 6. Receipt and registration
The final leg is delivery by car transporter to your city and handover. After that comes the standard registration: with the EPTS and SBKTS ready, this is an ordinary procedure.
The whole path in brief
- Chose a car in the catalog, checked the power.
- Worked out the turnkey cost.
- Left a request.
- The intermediary confirmed the car and arranged the purchase and delivery.
- Customs clearance, SBKTS, EPTS.
- Receipt and registration.
PILICAR is an information platform. We do not sell cars and do not run deals: we help you choose a car, estimate the costs and get in touch with a verified intermediary. All calculations are for information only and do not replace an official calculation by a customs authority. The final price, timelines and terms are determined in the deal with the intermediary.