In actual fact the imports of used motor cars are subject to used machinery and electrical goods on the prohibited list in China. It seems that this administrative rule is not that clear, as there is no enforceable law really forbidding the import of used motor car in the mainland. It is also noticeable that there are used motor cars particularly those in the classic, rare and prestigious models imported from abroad to run on roads at China's main cities, or even in the second hand cars auction market.

The information provided in this Forum are at best hard facts on import duties and taxes prevailing in the mainland. Getting approval for importing used motor vehicles to China is extremely difficult to come by, and on individual case to case basis. In order to secure an import approval from relevant authority, the applicant must produce strong and valid reasons for bringing in the car from abroad. Some successful cases include the returning student who is employed to work in a substantive foreign invested enterprise, and prepared to reside in the mainland for a certain period of time, and foreign diplomatic corps and businessmen who work and live in the China.

If one attempts to import ordinary used motor cars for no particular reasons, or for sale in the market, or parts and accessories including right hand driven cars for further re-assembling, his chance of getting an access is only very slim.