Quick answer: total landed cost = FOB vehicle price + ocean freight ($1,200–$2,800 per unit depending on route) + insurance + destination duties (5% in the UAE, up to 35%+ in Nigeria) + local clearance fees. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay 12–30% above the FOB price, plus a few hundred dollars of fixed local costs. China-side preparation (inspection, certification, loading) should already be inside the exporter's quote.
The sticker price of a Chinese used car is only half the story. Buyers who compare only FOB prices often get surprised at the destination port. Here is every cost layer, with 2026 typical ranges, so you can build an accurate landed-cost model before committing.
Layer 1 — The vehicle price (FOB China)
FOB (free on board) means the car is delivered onto the vessel at a Chinese port, with export clearance done. It should include the vehicle, any agreed refurbishment, the inspection report, export documentation and inland trucking to the port. Our quotes itemise each of these separately so buyers can see exactly what they pay for — current FOB reference prices are on the inventory page.
Layer 2 — Ocean freight by route
| Route (from Tianjin / Shanghai) | Ro-Ro, per unit | 40HQ container (3–6 cars, total) | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam) | $1,200–$2,000 | $3,500–$5,000 | 20–30 days |
| West Africa (Lagos) | $1,800–$2,800 | $5,500–$7,500 | 30–40 days |
| East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam) | $1,600–$2,400 | $4,500–$6,500 | 25–35 days |
| Russia / Central Asia (rail or truck via Khorgos) | — | $4,000–$6,500 | 12–20 days |
| Southeast Asia / Latin America | on request | on request | varies |
Two things move these numbers: fuel and sailing schedules. Treat them as typical 2026 spot ranges and confirm at booking. If you are importing 3+ cars, a shared or dedicated 40HQ container almost always beats Ro-Ro on per-unit cost — see RoRo vs container shipping for the full comparison.
Layer 3 — Insurance and China-side extras
- Marine insurance: 0.2–0.5% of vehicle value; included automatically when you buy CIF or DDP.
- Requested refurbishment: new tyres, battery, paint correction, interior deep-clean — quoted before contract, never added silently.
- Destination-country certification arranged in China: SONCAP (Nigeria), KEBS/PVOC (Kenya), EAC (Russia/Kazakhstan), SASO/SABER (Saudi Arabia). The certificate fee is fixed per shipment; using an exporter who arranges it in-house avoids double-handling.
Layer 4 — Duties and taxes at destination
| Destination | Typical duty structure (2026) | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 5% of CIF + 5% VAT | Lowest landed-cost destination in our network |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% of CIF + 15% VAT | SABER/SASO conformity certificate required |
| Russia | Customs duty + recycling fee scale with engine size and age | Fee changed frequently — model it per VIN |
| Kazakhstan | EAC clearance + VAT on import | Rail via Khorgos saves 2 weeks vs sea |
| Nigeria | Combined duties and levies commonly 35%+ of CIF, plus VAT | Age and engine-size rules restrict some vehicles |
| Kenya | Import duty 25% + IDF 2.5% + VAT 16% (2026 rates) | KEBS/PVOC certificate must be issued pre-shipment |
Layer 5 — Local costs that surprise first-timers
- Port storage: charged daily after free time (usually 5–14 days) — clear promptly.
- Clearing agent fee: $200–$500 per shipment depending on country.
- Inland trucking from the destination port to your city.
- Registration and plates — includes a roadworthiness test in most countries.
Worked example — SUV to Jebel Ali
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| FOB price (mid-size SUV, e.g. VW Teramont) | $21,000 |
| Shared 40HQ container slot | $1,200 |
| Marine insurance (0.3%) | $67 |
| UAE customs duty (5% of CIF) | $1,113 |
| VAT (5%) | $1,169 |
| Clearing + local fees | $400 |
| Landed cost | ≈ $24,950 (≈ +19% over FOB) |
Frequently asked questions
Is FOB or CIF cheaper overall?
They cost almost the same in the end — CIF simply moves the freight and insurance line into the exporter's invoice. CIF is recommended for first-time importers because the exporter is responsible until the destination port, removing coordination risk. See EXW vs FOB vs CIF.
Do I pay duty on the FOB price or the full CIF value?
Almost all countries in our network assess duty on the CIF value — vehicle price plus freight plus insurance. Buying "cheap freight" does not reduce the duty base if the invoice value is declared honestly; both must match the bill of lading.
How can I reduce the total cost?
Three levers: share a 40HQ container instead of Ro-Ro for 3+ cars, ship to the lowest-duty port that serves your market, and avoid port storage fees by preparing clearance documents before the vessel arrives.
Request an itemised FOB + CIF quote
Tell us the model and destination port — we reply with every cost layer broken out, nothing hidden.
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