How the Toyota Frontlander export process works
Exporting a vehicle from China takes five steps and, for in-stock units, shipment can be arranged within 10 working days after payment. Here is exactly what happens and what you receive.
Step 1: What information do we need to quote?
Send the model year, trim (or budget), hybrid or petrol, new or used, colour, quantity, destination country and port, and whether you want FOB or CIF. The quote form asks for exactly these fields. We reply within 24 hours.
Step 2: Quotation and proforma invoice
Once you accept the quotation, we issue a proforma invoice (PI) listing the exact vehicles, specification, unit price, Incoterm, payment terms and estimated shipping date. Payment terms are agreed with our sales team and stated on the PI before you pay.
Step 3: Sourcing, inspection and milestone photos
We secure the vehicles from our domestic dealer, fleet and partner channels and check them before purchase. At each milestone — purchase, preparation, loading — you receive photo or video confirmation. Third-party inspection can be coordinated if your market or bank requires it.
Step 4: Export customs clearance and shipping
We complete export declaration and customs clearance in China and book the shipment. Two methods are common: Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off car carriers) and containers (usually 40ft high cube). Our Ro-Ro vs container guide compares cost, protection and port coverage.
| Ro-Ro | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| How it ships | Driven onto a car-carrier vessel | Secured inside a sealed container |
| Typical use | Larger batches to ports with Ro-Ro service | Small batches, mixed cargo, inland destinations |
| Protection | Vehicle deck, exposed to handling | Sealed; protected from weather and theft |
| Mixed with parts | Limited | Yes — spare parts can share the container |
Step 5: Which documents will you receive?
The exact set depends on your country, but export shipments normally include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and export declaration, plus a certificate of origin where required. Ask us early if your market needs specific certificates, inspection reports or legalisation.
FOB or CIF: which Incoterm should you choose?
Under FOB, our price covers the vehicle cleared for export and loaded at the Chinese port; you book and pay ocean freight and insurance. Under CIF, we also pay freight and minimum insurance to your destination port, but risk still passes to you when the goods are loaded in China.
“Under FOB and CIF, the seller delivers when the goods are placed on board the vessel at the named port of shipment; risk passes to the buyer at that point.”
Duties, taxes, port charges and local registration in your country are always paid by the buyer, under both terms. Our cost guide breaks down every cost line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole export process take?
In-stock vehicles can be shipped within 10 working days after payment. Ocean transit time then depends on the route and vessel schedule; we give an estimate with your quotation.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Import clearance is handled by your customs broker. We provide the export documents they need and can answer questions about the vehicle specification.
Can you arrange third-party inspection?
Yes. Inspection can be coordinated before shipment if your market, bank or company requires it.
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