From inquiry to pickup: steps in exporting used equipment

Customers buying used construction machinery from China for the first time often ask how long the whole process takes and what happens at each step. It is roughly as follows.

Inquiry and machine selection. The customer states the use, budget and destination port, and the salesperson recommends suitable machines and sends photos, videos and main specifications.

Machine inspection. The customer can come in person, appoint a third-party inspection agency, or inspect by video.

Contract and payment. The contract states the machine model, serial number, price, delivery terms and payment terms. A common arrangement is a deposit first and the balance before shipment.

Preparation before shipment. Cleaning, maintenance, replacement of parts agreed in the contract, then booking space and handling export customs declaration.

Transport. Depending on machine dimensions and destination port, choose a ro-ro ship, flat rack or bulk carrier. Sea time ranges from just over 20 days to 50 days, depending on the route.

Customs clearance and pickup. The customer clears customs at the destination port with the bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list. Some countries require a pre-shipment inspection certificate, which must be obtained before shipment.

From confirming the machine to loading on board usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.