What Documents Are Needed to Import Used Construction Machinery from China? | UMachinery Guide

Posted at 2026-06-08

What Documents Are Needed to Import Used Construction Machinery from China? | UMachinery Guide

Learn what documents are needed to import used excavators and construction machinery from China. UMachinery explains which export documents we provide and what buyers need for customs clearance and final delivery.

When importing used excavators or other construction machinery from China, both the seller and the buyer need to prepare different documents.The seller mainly handles the China export side, while the buyer handles the destination country customs clearance and final delivery.

Importing used excavators, loaders, truck cranes or other construction machinery from China is not difficult, but the paperwork must be prepared correctly.
Many buyers are concerned about the same questions: 

  • What documents will the Chinese supplier provide?  
  • What documents do I need for customs clearance?
  • What should I prepare before the machine arrives at my port? 

This guide explains the common documents used in used construction machinery export and import, and how UMachinery helps customers prepare for a smoother purchasing process.

1.What documents must the exporter provide?
  • Proforma Invoice / Sales Contract                  For order confirmation and payment reference
  • Commercial Invoice                                          Used for customs declaration and cargo value confirmation
  • Packing List                                                        Shows machine details, quantity, weight and dimensions
  • Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill                              Used for cargo release at the destination port
  • Certificate of Origin                                          Shows the machine is exported from China, if required
  • Export Customs Declaration                            Used for China-side export clearance
  • Machine Photos & Working Video                 Helps the buyer confirm real machine condition
  • Inspection Report                                            Can be arranged if the buyer requires third-party inspection
  • Loading Photos / Shipping Records               Shows the machine loading and shipping process
  • Insurance Document                                        Provided if insurance is arranged under the trade term
2.What documents does the importer need to prepare?
  • Import License / Import Permit                  Required in some countries for used machinery import
  • Company Registration / Tax Number         Used for local customs clearance
  • Customs Declaration                                  Submitted by the buyer’s customs broker
  • Duty & VAT Payment Documents              Used to complete customs release
  • Destination Inspection Documents           Required in some countries depending on local rules
  • Delivery Order                                           Used to release the machine from the port
  • Port Release Documents                           Needed before taking the machine out of the port
  • Inland Transportation Arrangement         Used to deliver the machine to the final working site
3.What should the importer do after the equipment arrives at the port of discharge?

Step 1: Contact the shipping agent or freight forwarder

     Confirm vessel arrival and document release.

Step 2: Submit documents to local customs broker

     Provide commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and other required documents.

Step 3: Complete customs declaration

     The broker submits the customs declaration according to local import rules. 

Step 4: Pay duties, VAT and local charges 

     The buyer pays customs duty, VAT, port handling, storage and other charges. 

Step 5: Complete inspection, if required 

     If customs or another authority requires inspection, the buyer should cooperate with the local broker. 

Step 6: Get customs release 

     After customs approval, the machine can be released from the port. 

Step 7: Arrange inland delivery 

     The buyer arranges truck or low-bed trailer transportation to the final site. 

Step 8: Receive and inspect the machine 

     After delivery, the buyer should check the machine condition, appearance and accessories.

Final Takeaway

When importing used construction machinery from China, documents are just as important as the machine itself.
UMachinery can help buyers prepare China-side export documents, machine photos, working videos, inspection support and shipping coordination. At the same time, buyers should confirm local import requirements with their customs broker before shipment. 

If you are planning to import a used excavator, loader, truck crane or other heavy equipment from China, please send us your required model, budget and destination port. Our team will help you check suitable machines and provide the necessary export support.

Need help importing used construction machinery from China?

Contact UMachinery and tell us your required machine model, budget and destination port. We will help you check suitable machines, photos, working videos and export documents.

Stay connected
service line+86 18957785566
Suggestions and complaints:
[email protected]
Address:
No. 1021, Xingguang Village, Xianyan Sub-district, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province