When you import a used GWM vehicle from China, three documents form the core of your customs clearance file: the commercial invoice, the bill of lading (B/L), and the certificate of origin (COO). Each serves a distinct purpose, and your customs broker will ask for all three. This walkthrough explains what each document is, why it matters, and how GWM Export prepares them. GWM Export is an independent exporter and is not affiliated with Great Wall Motor.
Inquiry: What Documents You'll Need
Before you commit to a unit, ask which documents travel with it. For any used GWM export from China, the standard set includes:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading (original or telex release)
- Certificate of origin
- Additional documents as required by your destination customs authority (e.g., inspection certificates, import permits)
At this stage, confirm your destination country's import rules. Some markets require a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) or a specific COO form. GWM Export stocks left-hand drive (LHD) units at yards in Tianjin and Guangzhou, with shipping to Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, and Chile. Reference FOB prices for used GWM models range from $5,200–$11,500 for the Good Cat and $8,500–$20,600 for the Big Dog, depending on year and mileage.
Quote: The Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the seller's official record of the sale. It states the vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN, mileage), the FOB price, and the terms of sale. Your customs broker uses it to assess duty and taxes. GWM Export issues the invoice after you confirm the unit and pay the deposit. The invoice must match the vehicle exactly — any discrepancy can delay clearance. For example, a 2024 Big Dog 1.5T Labrador Edition with 28,000 km and a reference FOB price of $12,200 will appear on the invoice with those exact figures. Always check that the VIN on the invoice matches the VIN on the vehicle and the B/L.
Sample: The Bill of Lading (B/L)
The bill of lading is the transport document issued by the shipping line. It acts as a receipt for the cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. The B/L shows the shipper, consignee, port of loading (Tianjin or Guangzhou), port of discharge, and the vehicle description. You need the original B/L (or a telex release) to claim the vehicle at the destination port. GWM Export works with RoRo and container shipping. RoRo is often cheaper for running vehicles, while container offers more protection. The B/L is issued after the vehicle is loaded and the freight is paid. Keep it safe — without it, you cannot take delivery.
Production: The Certificate of Origin (COO)
The certificate of origin certifies that the vehicle originated in China. It is issued by a competent authority, such as China Customs or a chamber of commerce, and is often required for preferential duty treatment or to comply with import regulations. The COO includes the exporter, consignee, vehicle details, and the origin criterion. For used GWM exports, the COO confirms the vehicle was manufactured in China. Some destination countries require a specific COO format; check with your customs broker. GWM Export provides the COO as part of the export document set. Without it, your shipment may be subject to higher duties or clearance delays.
QC: Verifying Documents Before Shipment
Before the vehicle leaves the yard, GWM Export performs a document check. We verify that the invoice, B/L draft, and COO application all match the vehicle's VIN, model year, and mileage. This step prevents costly errors. For instance, if the invoice shows a 2023 Big Dog but the COO shows 2024, customs may flag the shipment. We also confirm that the consignee details on the B/L match your import license. At this stage, you should review scanned copies of all documents and raise any questions. Remember: GWM Export is an independent exporter, not affiliated with GWM. We source used GWM vehicles from the China domestic market and provide real mileage, registration date, and photos per listing.
Shipping: Documents in Transit
Once the vehicle is loaded, the shipping line issues the original B/L. GWM Export sends you the commercial invoice, COO, and B/L (or telex release) by courier. These documents travel separately from the vehicle. You will need them to clear customs at the destination port. Transit times vary by route: Tianjin to Russia or Central Asia can take 20–30 days by rail or sea; Guangzhou to Africa or Latin America can take 30–45 days. During transit, your customs broker can pre-clear the shipment using the documents you provide. Ensure the B/L consignee matches your import license. Any mismatch can cause the vehicle to be held at port, incurring storage fees.
After-sales: Document Retention and Follow-up
After clearance, keep copies of all export documents for your records. You may need them for vehicle registration, insurance, or future resale. The COO, in particular, proves the vehicle's origin and can affect resale value. If you encounter any issues with the documents after shipment, contact GWM Export via WhatsApp. We can provide duplicate copies or corrections if needed. Note that some destination customs authorities may require additional documents, such as a fumigation certificate or a pre-shipment inspection report. Always confirm the full document list with your broker before shipment. GWM Export aims to make the paperwork transparent so you can focus on your business.
Summary
The commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin are the three pillars of GWM export documentation. Each plays a specific role: the invoice for customs valuation, the B/L for cargo release, and the COO for origin verification. GWM Export prepares these documents for every used GWM vehicle we ship from China. We hold stock in Tianjin and Guangzhou and ship to Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, and Chile. For a smooth import, verify all documents before shipment and keep your customs broker informed. If you have questions about documents for a specific unit, contact us on WhatsApp.
GWM Export is an independent exporter and is not affiliated with Great Wall Motor. Reference FOB prices are indicative and subject to change.