How to import your car or vehicle into Hong Kong and China from the UK including a comprehensive FAQ guide

Get a car shipping quoteFor over 40 years, PSS Removals has been car shipping to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom. We have a wealth of experience with shipping to popular Hong Kong cities such as Kowloon, Yuen Long Kau Hui & Tung Chung

Whether it is shipping your car to Hong Kong, or another country, we always ensure that we provide the very best service for our valued customers. We offer many options for international vehicle transport to Hong Kong. So, whatever your personal car transport needs are, we can tailor your shipment to your needs.
If you need any advice with moving to Hong Kong, or if you want a no-obligation car shipping quote, then call us on 0800 988 3711. You can also see our vehicle shipping FAQ guide below for more information.

Our expert car shippers will work with you to discover the best method of exporting your vehicle to Hong Kong that is most suited to your individual importing needs. You can have your car shipped in a container on its own or with the other household goods you are shipping. We can also offer a roll on/roll off or lift on/lift off method for exporting your car to Hong Kong.

Is it worth shipping your car to Hong Kong?

The cost of shipping a car from the United Kingdom is often a lot less than replacing it when you are in Hong Kong. To decide whether it is worth shipping your car you first need to check if it is allowed under local Hong Kong car import rules. Then you need to weigh up the costs of shipping and importing versus the cost of replacing the car in Hong Kong.

Some people advise that it’s not worth considering due to the paperwork involved, but when you have an expert car shipping company such as PSS to guide you, the actual process of shipping your car is not too difficult.

Why should you trust PSS Removals?

Shipping-Car-to-Hong Kong and China from the UKPSS are one of the UK’s leading personal shipping companies helping people move to destinations all of the world – including Hong Kong. We are proud members of the FIDI Global Alliance, as well as being accredited by the FAIM Quality Standard for overseas removals. This means that we have been recognised for our ability to provide a professional, expert car shipping service to Hong Kong.

It can bring you comfort to know that we also offer the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme, which means your car shipping costs are protected. As a leading UK car shipping company with many happy customers who have chosen us to ship their vehicle.

Shipping cars to Hong Kong is easy with PSS


STEP 1
Check suitability for importing

Ensure your vehicle meets requirements & apply for import approval if needed.

STEP 2
Prepare your vehicle for shipping

Make sure your car is clean & ready for shipping.

STEP 3
We collect and ship your vehicle

We load your car onto container at your address or you deliver it to the port / our depot.

STEP 4
Arrival & Customs Clearance

On arrival will take care of customs clearance & arrange for you to collect your vehicle.

Vehicle and Car Shipping to Hong Kong Cost Calculator

Want to know how it will cost to send your vehicle to Hong Kong? Our free online Cost Calculator will help you estimate the cost.

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Did you know it is very cost effective to ship your household goods / personal effects with your vehicle?

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How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711

Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.

A FAQ Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle To Hong Kong

How much does it cost shipping cars or vehicle to Hong Kong?

There are a number of costs you need to consider when transporting your car to Hong Kong – not just the shipping cost. Beware of quotes that are only port-to-port where you have to organise the delivery, and collection and take care of all the customs procedures.

Our price includes door-to-door pick and delivery as well as basic customs clearance costs. Costs for Scotland, Wales and Ireland can vary.

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There are however a number of other costs you need to consider when importing into Hong Kong. These include:

  • Additional customs and quarantine costs including inspection fees, cleaning, port service fees etc.
  • Taxes and duties – These can be ery high for Hong Kong.
  • Compliance and modification costs – if necessary for your vehicle to meet Hong Kong standards and guidelines.
  • Vehicle Registration – you will need to register your vehicle in the relevant state before you can drive on local roads.
  • Marine Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover – Your standard motor insurance policy will not cover you for international shipping so you will need to take out additional cover.

Vechicle Shipping to Hong Kong from the UK_1

How long does it take to ship a car to Hong Kong from the UK?

If you are shipping your vehicle as groupage in a shared container it will take about 8-12 weeks.

If you are shipping your vehicle with your belongings in a sole use container (FCL – Full Container Load) it will take around 6-8 weeks.

You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance and quarantine inspection.

For example you are shipping if you are shipping in sole use container to popular destinations such as Sydney, Mebourne and Perth it will be a lot quicker than shipping in a shared container to remoter destinations such as Darwin and Alice Springs.

 

How do you import a vehicle into Hong Kong from the UK?

There are a number of steps to importing a car or other vehicle to Hong Kong, but they can be done quite simply with the guidance of a shipping company like PSS.

  • Check the viability of importing your car to Hong Kong
  • Organise your shipping company
  • Get shipping insurance or shipment protection cover
  • Complete shipping forms and gather necessary documentation
  • On arrival arrange customs clearance and quarantine inspection
  • Register your vehicle in Hong Kong
  • Arrange delivery or collect your vehicle

 

What are the car import requirements for Hong Kong?

In order to be granted approval for shipping your car to Hong Kong, you will have to ensure your vehicle meets Hong Kong’s criteria for importing vehicles.

Below is a list of documents you need, approval you will need, and criteria you have to adhere to for import approval in Hong Kong:

  • Compliance with the exhaust and noise emissions standard
  • Obtain approval from the Environmental Protection Department before shipment
  • Lodge a declaration within 14 days of importation with the Customs and Excise Department
  • Submit an Import Return form
  • Ensure your vehicle meets the requirements for registration in Hong Kong and gain the documents to prove it
  • Approach a Vehicle Examination Centre to get your vehicle examined
  • Apply for vehicle registration with Hong Kong Licensing Office of Transport Department (where registration tax fees apply as well as licence fees)

Information sourced from: http://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/vehicle_first_registration/guidelines_for_importation_and_registration_of_mot/

If you have any further questions about the list above, please do not hesitate to contact our team on 0800 988 3711 as we would be more than happy to walk you through each step of car import to Hong Kong.

What are the options for shipping your car to Hong Kong?

PSS Removals offers a range of car shipping to Hong Kong options. See below our options, and choose whichever is best for you and your needs. If you are unsure our vehicle shipping experts will be able to advise you.

Option A: Car and household items

It could be a good idea to combine your car shipment and household items together in one load. Our team can bring a shipping container to your home, then carefully secure your vehicle inside for car shipping to Hong Kong. Any remaining space can then be put to use for your household goods and homewares. If you’re moving to Hong Kong and you need to send over a number of items, then this is a great shipment option for you.

We will expertly pack and wrap your items using industry-approved materials and expert handling. They will then be placed in the container alongside the secured vehicle. At your door, we will seal the container with a customs seal before taking it to the UK port terminal for placement on the vessel. From there, the process of household and car transport to Hong Kong will take place.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a car shipping quote or any advice on this option (or other options and their car shipping rates).

Option B: Car only

On the other hand, you may need to only send your car abroad. In this case, you can make use of our car-only auto transport option. You will have your very own sole-use container that holds your car (or other vehicle) securely inside for shipment to Hong Kong.

This can be arranged at your place of residence, at a PSS warehouse, or a shipping line container depot – to suit you and your preferences. Then, the car will be loaded onto a vessel for UK to Hong Kong car transport.

Again, if you need a car shipping quote, or further details about our services and moving to Hong Kong, simply give us a call on 0800 988 3711.

Option C: Roll On/ Roll Off (RORO) or Lift On/ Lift Off (LOLO)

This last option is only available at selected ports.

Speak to our team today to see if this is an option for you. It will involve driving your vehicle onto the vessel to then be secured for auto transport to Hong Kong. Then, it is driven off again once it arrives in Hong Kong.

There some disadvantages to this option as your car or vehicle does not receive the same protection it would do if sealed in its own container.

However, this option is useful for larger vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and caravans which may be too wide to fit into a standard shipping container.

Please call us on 0800 988 3711 if you wish to discuss whether this is an option for you.

 

Can you ship your car with personal belongings inside?

It may be possible to ship your car with a few boxes of personal belongings inside. However, it is best to seek advice from one of our international removal consultants first as there are some restrictions.

Remember that all your belongings will be subject to the usual customs requirements and quarantine inspections so don’t think you can cram your car fall.

We do offer very cost effective options for shipping your belongings with your car so please ask us for more details.

 

How to prepare your car for shipping to Hong Kong?

It is important that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all organic material, including mud and dirt, is removed. This is to avoid potential problems with biosecurity and quarantine, in Hong Kong.

We recommend that your car including engine and undercarriage is professionally steam cleaned.

However, we do not recommend that the interior is valeted as this can result in mould and mildew during the voyage.

It is also advisable that your vehicle has a full service and check over before it is shipped.

How to ship a motorhome or van to Hong Kong?

The shipping of motorhomes and vans to Hong Kong is very similar to cars. You will need to check that your vehicle meets Hong Kong requirements and obtain Vehicle Import Approval before you begin shipping.

Also, if your vehicle is too wide or tall to fit into a shipping container, then it will need to travel as roll-on / roll-off or lift-on / lift-off.

Motorhomes and vans may also be subject to different rates of tax and duty.

 

How to ship caravans, boats and other vehicles to Hong Kong?

All types of vehicles can be shipped to Hong Kong including caravans, boats, trailers, quad bikes, jet skis and anything else you can think of!

For small vehicles, the best method is to ship them in a container with your other possessions or we can arrange a shared container.

The door sizes of standard shipping containers are about 7’8” (2.28m) wide or 7’5” (2.26m) high. These sizes can vary between shipping companies, but if your vehicle is larger you may need to use RORO or LOLO shipping services.

 

How to ship and import classic cars to Hong Kong?

A lot of people choose to import an older or classic car to Cyprus. For example, enthusiast, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use in car clubs.

For classic cars we highly recommend container shipping rather than RORO / LOLO as it offers greater protection.

Customs requirements may also differ.

When shipping valuable cars, you can be sure that our team takes special care to ensure it’s securely and safely packed for its journey.

 You may find this article by The Classic Car Club of Hong Kong helpful in understanding local requirements.

How to ship a motorcycle to Hong Kong?

To ship a motorbike to Hong Kong you will need to follow a similar Import Approval process as for cars.

For the actual shipping, your bike would be secured in a shipping container, often in a wooden crate to ensure it is fully protected during transportation.

Your motorcycle or quad bike can be sent in a sole use container with your other possessions or in a shared container with other people’s belongings.

 

Customs and Quarantine for Your vehicle

At Customs in Hong Kong, you will need to lodge a declaration within 14 days of your import and submit an Import Return form. As mentioned above, your vehicle will need to be examined upon arrival in Hong Kong to ensure it meets their requirements and standards. As a general rule, it is best to ensure your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned before car shipping to Hong Kong. This prevents the spreading of pests, asbestos and disease.

The vehicle examination will check:

  • The vehicle construction shall comply with the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulation, Cap. 374A;
  • The seat belts and seat belt anchorage points shall comply with the provisions of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations, Cap. 374F. All seat belts shall be permanently marked with a specification number, mark or symbol indicating compliance with the standards listed in the regulations;
  • The windscreen and panes on the vehicle shall be of safety glass complying with the standards specified in Cap. 374H. In addition, all vehicle glass shall be of such transparency that it does not obscure the view of the interior of the motor vehicle. Please refer to the notice on latest light transmission rate requirements at our website. (The above ordinance and regulations are available online, URL: http://www.elegislation.gov.hk); and
  • For registration and licensing purposes, imported vehicles would be classified in accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance, Cap. 374.

Information sourced from: http://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/vehicle_first_registration/guidelines_for_importation_and_registration_of_mot/

To gain insight into Hong Kong Customs clearance, or car shipping to Hong Kong, just give our team a call on 0800 988 3711 today.

 

Customs Duty and Taxes for Hong Kong

Taxes are set to discourage the personal import of vehicles; it is highly recommended that an estimate of costs before shipping a vehicle.

Private cars :

  • First registration fee is based on the following:

Depreciation 25% per year – variable (after manufacture).

After depreciation, the fee is calculated on the following scale:

Class of Motor Vehicle             Rate of Taxes

  1. on the first HK$150,000. 40%
  2. on the next HK$150,000 75%
  3. on the next HK$200,000 100%
  4. on the remainder 115%

Motor cycles and motor tricycles: 35%

Customs import is easy for cars & motorcycles but registration process is costly and time consuming.

Vehicles must satisfy noise & emission standards, and be right-hand drive.

Vehicles over 10 years – difficult to obtain Insurance Policy.

An import permit (form number CED336) must be submitted by the owner within 30 days after vehicle arrival date.

Delivery and Collection of Your car

Once your car arrives after international car transport to Hong Kong, you will be contacted by our team. We will then handle all the customs paperwork with you or on your behalf. Since Hong Kong has such strict guidelines for customs clearance and import requirements, though, we do recommend that you be at hand to ensure the process runs smoothly. Re-read the guidelines that we listed above about customs clearance and registration, as they are incredibly important and should be firmly followed.

Once all is done, we will make reservations with you to give your car back safely.

 

Do I need shipping insurance or shipment protection cover?

We try to do everything we can to protect your vehicle before, during and after car transport to Hong Kong. As industry professionals, we’re proud to say that there are never any major issues. However, it is always a good idea to be protected in case anything does happen.

Your usual motor insurance policy will not cover you for international vehicle transportation. This is why we have a carefully designed Shipment Protection cover to protect your vehicle in case of loss or damage.

Our Shipment Protection cover is backed by Basil Fry and Company and is based on the conditions recommended by the British Association of Removers. This means your car is in safe hands during the whole process. Rest assured that your protection starts as soon as your car is with our team.

For this reason, you can trust PSS Removals with your car shipping to Hong Kong and support throughout the entire process. So, the process is made easy when you opt to ship your car to Hong Kong with us.

 

How to ship your car from Hong Kong to the UK?

We can also arrange for your car or other vehicle to be transported from Hong Kong to the UK. Similar shipping options apply and it can be cost effective to ship your vehicle with your other possessions.

Contact us at our UK office and we’ll put you in contact with our team in Hong Kong who will be able to advise you on the whole process and give you a cost effective quote.

 

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