How to Import a Toyota Corolla from China: A 2026 Guide for Dealers and Fleets
Step-by-step: choosing the right China-market Corolla, getting a FOB or CIF quote, the Proforma Invoice, inspection, shipping and clearance — and what to check about your own country’s rules first.
By EVtoU Export Team · Published · 7 min read
Importing a Toyota Corolla from China takes five steps: choose the model and trim, get a FOB or CIF quote, sign a Proforma Invoice and pay, let the exporter inspect and clear the car for export, then receive it at your port and clear it through your own customs. For in-stock cars, shipment can be arranged within 10 working days of payment; the sea voyage comes on top of that.
This guide walks through each step from the buyer’s side, with the questions dealers and fleet managers ask us most often.
Which Toyota Corolla is sold in China?
The Corolla sold in China is built by FAW Toyota, Toyota’s joint venture with FAW. The current line-up covers three model years and four engines: a 1.8 L self-charging hybrid (101 kW combined), a 1.2 L turbo petrol (85 kW), a 1.5 L three-cylinder petrol (89 kW, 2024 only) and a new 2.0 L petrol (126 kW, 2026 only). All are four-door, five-seat sedans with left-hand drive. FAW Toyota also builds the Corolla Cross, a compact SUV with a 2.0 L hybrid (144 kW) or 2.0 L petrol engine. Full specifications for every trim are in our vehicle catalogue.
2026 Toyota Corolla 1.8L HybridHybrid · 1.8L HEV · 101 kW · WLTC 4.13–4.45 L/100 km
2025 Toyota Corolla 1.2T PetrolPetrol · 1.2T · 85 kW · WLTC 5.88 L/100 km
2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8L HybridHybrid · 1.8L HEV · 101 kW · WLTC 4.06–4.28 L/100 km
Step 1 — Check your country’s import rules first
Before choosing a trim, confirm three things with your customs broker or clearing agent:
- Steering side. China-market Corollas are left-hand drive. They suit right-hand-traffic countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Right-hand-drive units can only be supplied on request, depending on availability.
- Age limits for used cars. Many countries restrict the age of imported used vehicles — Ghana, for example, restricts most vehicles over 10 years old. New 0 km cars avoid the issue.
- Conformity and emissions. The cars are built to China VI emissions and Chinese standards, not GCC or EU specification. Some markets need a conformity certificate before registration.
Our market pages summarise what to check for Nigeria, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with links to the authority that publishes the current rules.
Step 2 — Request a FOB or CIF quote
A useful quote request includes the model and trim, quantity, preferred colours, destination country and port, and whether you want FOB (you arrange the sea freight) or CIF (we arrange freight and insurance to your port). The minimum order is one unit, and mixed-model orders are accepted.
Not sure which Incoterm fits? Read FOB vs CIF for car shipping from China.
Step 3 — Proforma Invoice and payment
Once the price, trims and colours are agreed, the exporter issues a Proforma Invoice (PI). Check that it states the exact model year and trim, colour split, quantity, unit price, Incoterm with the named port, payment terms and the documents you will receive. Payment terms are agreed per order and written on the PI before you pay.
Step 4 — Inspection, export clearance and loading
After payment, the exporter prepares the vehicles, coordinates inspection and handles export customs clearance in China. At EVtoU you receive a photo or video at each milestone, so you can see the actual car being prepared, loaded and shipped.
Cars travel either by Ro-Ro (driven onto a vehicle carrier) or in containers. Containers protect the paint and allow several cars — and mixed models — per box; Ro-Ro is often simpler for larger volumes. We recommend the option for your route when quoting.
Step 5 — Arrival and clearance at your port
Import duty, taxes and local registration are the buyer’s responsibility unless agreed otherwise in writing. Give your clearing agent the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading as soon as they are issued so clearance can start before the vessel arrives.
What does it cost?
The export price depends on model year, trim, quantity and current stock, so we quote each order — FOB China or CIF your port. Shipping fee and delivery date are negotiated per order.