How to Import a Toyota RAV4 from China: The Ultimate 2026 B2B Buyer's Guide

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 went on sale in China on 21 November 2025. It is built by FAW Toyota and comes in six China-spec versions: hybrid and petrol, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. For dealers and fleet buyers outside China, this model is now one of the easiest Toyota SUVs to source in volume. This guide covers the full import path, in the order you will meet each step.

Which 2026 RAV4 version should I import?

Start with your market, not the spec sheet. Ask what your buyers drive today, what fuel costs, and how well local workshops handle hybrids. All six versions share the same body: 4620 × 1855 × 1680 mm, a 2690 mm wheelbase, a 55 L tank and five seats. The differences are the powertrain, drive layout and equipment.

If hybrids are new to your market, a trial order mixing one hybrid and one petrol unit is a low-risk way to test demand. Our article on hybrid vs. petrol demand overseas goes deeper. You can compare every version on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 page.

What do I need to check before I order?

Import rules differ a lot between countries. Check these points with your customs broker or the official authority before you pay a deposit:

• Steering side. Most of our stock is left-hand drive. Right-hand drive is possible on request, depending on availability.
• Homologation and emissions. Some markets require type approval or a specific emissions standard for new vehicles.
• Import duty and taxes. Rates are set by your government and can depend on engine size or fuel type. Check the current official tariff; we do not quote duty.
• Import licence. Some countries require a dealer or importer licence before a vehicle can clear customs.
• Port or border crossing. Confirm which port or land crossing you will clear through, as this affects the shipping method.

For countries we already ship to, the export markets pages list routes, typical documents and links to official sources.

How does the ordering process work?

1. Send your request. Tell us the versions, colours, quantity, destination port and preferred Incoterm. We reply within 24 hours.
2. Get a quote. We prepare an FOB or CIF quote for your order. We do not publish fixed prices, because the final figure depends on version, quantity and route.
3. Sign the contract and pay the deposit. The contract lists each vehicle, the VIN once allocated, delivery terms and payment terms.
4. Vehicle preparation. In-stock vehicles ship within 10 working days after payment. You receive photos and video at each milestone.
5. Export customs and loading. We handle export clearance in China and load the cars by container or Ro-Ro.
6. Documents released. You receive the shipping documents needed to clear the cars at your end.
7. Import clearance and delivery. Your broker clears the cars and you collect them at the port or bonded yard.

The full workflow, including payment options and document list, is on our export process page.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

No. Our minimum order is one unit, and trial orders are welcome. Many dealers start with one or two cars to test the market, then move to larger lots. Mixed-model orders are fine too: we plan the container loading so different versions share space where it makes sense.

Which shipping terms and method should I choose?

Most buyers choose between FOB and CIF. Under FOB, you book and pay the sea freight. Under CIF, we book the freight and basic insurance to your destination port. Read FOB vs. CIF for bulk RAV4 shipping for a full breakdown.

For the method, containers give more protection and suit small or mixed lots. Ro-Ro can suit larger lots to ports with regular Ro-Ro service. Landlocked markets usually need a container to a transit port, or rail and road transport.

Tip: include your destination port or border crossing in your first message. It is the single detail that most affects the quote and lead time.

What documents will I receive?

A typical export set includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and the vehicle certificate of conformity or factory certificate. Depending on your market, you may also need a certificate of origin or a pre-shipment inspection certificate. Tell us your requirements early so the paperwork matches your customs rules. When you are ready, request a quote with your list of versions and destination.