How to Export a Toyota Corolla from China: 2026 Buyer Route

The 2026 China-market Corolla is built by FAW Toyota and went on sale on 12 December 2025. It is a left-hand-drive compact sedan sold in three powertrains: a 1.8L hybrid, a 1.2L turbo petrol and a 2.0L petrol. Every car we ship is new, 0 km, and bought from the domestic channel. This article lays out the buying route from first enquiry to the car leaving your port, so you can plan cash flow and paperwork before you commit.

Step 1: Pick the powertrain your market can support

The six trims split into two body sizes. The hybrid and 2.0L cars use the facelifted long body (2750 mm wheelbase); the 1.2T keeps the earlier body (2700 mm wheelbase) and a larger 50 L tank. All run on 92 RON petrol.

If local workshops have little hybrid experience, start with petrol or a mixed trial order. The hybrid range and petrol range pages list every trim, and the full 2026 Corolla line-up puts them side by side.

Step 2: Check the import rules at your end

Most delays happen here, not in China. Before you pay anything, confirm these points with your clearing agent or the official authority:

• Steering side. These cars are left-hand drive. Right-hand-drive countries such as Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa generally will not register them.
• Emissions and type approval. The cars meet China 6. Some markets ask for a certificate of conformity or local type approval.
• Duty and taxes. Rates are set by your government and often depend on engine size or fuel type. Check the current tariff; we do not quote duty.
• Importer status. Some countries need an import licence, a dealer registration or a pre-shipment inspection certificate.
• Port of discharge. Your port decides whether Ro-Ro or container shipping is practical.

For countries we ship to often, our shipping destinations pages list the route and typical documents. Africa buyers should read which African countries accept China LHD Corollas.

Ask your clearing agent for the duty estimate in writing before you sign. A duty surprise at the port costs more than any saving on the car.

Step 3: Quote, contract and payment

1. Send the request. Trims, colours, quantity, destination port and Incoterm (FOB or CIF). MOQ is one unit.
2. Receive the quote. We quote per order because the figure depends on trim, quantity, timing and route. No fixed price list is published.
3. Sign the contract. It lists each car, VINs once allocated, delivery terms and payment terms.
4. Pay. In-stock cars ship within 10 working days after payment is received.

FOB means you book the sea freight; CIF means we book it and insure the cargo to your port. First-time importers usually find CIF simpler. Payment terms and document lists are on the export process page.

Step 4: Preparation, export clearance and loading

We inspect each car, send photos and video of the VIN, odometer and body, then handle China export customs. Small orders usually go in 40HQ containers, where several sedans are strapped and blocked inside one box. Larger orders to ports with regular Ro-Ro calls can go roll-on/roll-off.

Step 5: Documents and import clearance

Once the vessel sails, you receive the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and the vehicle export documents needed at your end. Your clearing agent lodges the import declaration, pays duty and releases the cars. Common questions on documents and timing are collected in the export FAQ. When you are ready, send your order details through get a quote.