China origin vehicle exports keep growing rapidly. As a crucial link for vehicle overseas shipment, international ocean transportation mainly includes container based sea freight and RoRo (Rollon/Rolloff) shipping. Complicated compliance formalities must be fulfilled to satisfy import requirements of destination side countries.

Special Requirements for Different Vehicle Types

1. Fuel powered Vehicles

Fuel inside the fuel tank shall not exceed one quarter of total capacity or 250 liters to eliminate firehazard risks from fuel volatilization.Gasoline has a flashpoint below 38℃ while diesel’s flash point exceeds 38℃. Both are regulated as dangerousgoods shipments. Vehicles failing to comply with this standard may be rejected for loading or subject to additional safety protection measures.

2. New Energy Vehicles

Maritime export of new energy vehicles must comply with rules for export licensing application, dangerous goods declaration and shipping safety. The whole process covers document preparation, booking & container loading and customs clearance.

· Export license AdministrationStarting from January 1, 2026, an export license is mandatory for battery electric passenger cars under HS code 8703801090. Enterprises shall follow the Notice on Further Standardizing Export Order of Automobile and Motorcycle Products (Document Shang Chan Fa〔2012〕No.318) for qualification review and application procedures.

· Dangerous goods DeclarationNew energy vehicles are categorized as Class  9 dangerous goods for sea freight shipments. Exporters shall satisfy domestic maritime filing and declaration requirements, and adhere to the newly revised mandatory IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) which comes into force on Jan 1, 2026, plus special specifications for respective transport modes