Electric Vehicle Export Documents
Importing electric scooters or tricycles from China requires a standard document set: commercial invoice (CI), packing list (PL), bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin (CO), and Form E for ASEAN duty reduction. Lithium battery shipments additionally need UN38.3 test reports and MSDS confirmed per model and configuration before shipment.
Key facts
- Core document set: CI, PL, B/L, CO — required for every electric vehicle shipment
- Form E (China–ASEAN FTA) enables duty reduction for eligible ASEAN importers
- Lithium battery shipments require UN38.3 test reports and MSDS, confirmed per model and configuration
- CBU, SKD and CKD each carry different document requirements and tariff implications
- STARGO provides a complete document set and 24-hour dealer support
Commercial Invoice (CI)
The commercial invoice is the primary trade document for every shipment. It states the seller and buyer details, a description of the goods, unit price, total value, currency, payment terms, and country of origin. Customs authorities in the destination market use the CI to assess import duties and verify the declared value. For electric vehicles, the CI should list the vehicle model, motor power, battery type and voltage so the goods are classified correctly.
Packing List (PL)
The packing list details the physical contents of each carton or pallet in the container: item description, quantity, net weight, gross weight and dimensions. Customs inspectors and freight forwarders use the PL to verify that the physical goods match the CI. A well-prepared PL also helps the receiving dealer at destination to confirm that delivery is complete.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The bill of lading is the ocean freight contract and the document of title for the goods. It is issued by the shipping line or freight forwarder and names the shipper, consignee and notify party, the vessel and voyage, the port of loading and port of discharge, and the cargo description. The original B/L (or a telex release for trusted buyers) must be surrendered at destination to take delivery. For new relationships, STARGO typically issues the B/L with cargo on-hold until the buyer pays the balance after confirming the PSPV.
Certificate of Origin (CO) and Form E
A standard certificate of origin (CO) certifies that the goods were manufactured in China and is used by certain markets to verify origin for import purposes. Form E is the specific certificate of origin under the China–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). When a dealer in an ASEAN country imports electric vehicles from China under Form E, the shipment may qualify for a preferential (reduced) import tariff under the CAFTA rules of origin — the actual rate depends on each member state's tariff schedule and the HS code of the product. STARGO provides Form E for qualifying shipments routed through eligible ports.
UN38.3 and MSDS for Lithium Batteries
Electric vehicles fitted with lithium battery packs are subject to special international transport regulations (IATA DGR / IMDG Code). Two key documents are required: the UN38.3 test report, which proves the battery cells have passed the mandatory safety test series (altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact, overcharge, forced discharge), and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which describes the battery's composition, hazard classification and safe-handling procedures. At STARGO, readiness of UN38.3 and MSDS documentation is confirmed per battery model and configuration before each shipment. Dealers should communicate the shipping route (sea or air) and destination port to STARGO early so the correct document set is prepared.
CBU, SKD and CKD — Document Comparison
| CBU (Completely Built Up) | SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) | CKD (Completely Knocked Down) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What ships | Fully assembled vehicles | Partially disassembled — major subassemblies | All components in loose form for local assembly |
| Key documents | CI, PL, B/L, CO, Form E, UN38.3/MSDS (if lithium) | CI, PL, B/L, CO, Form E — goods declared as parts/subassemblies | CI, PL, B/L, CO, Form E — each component line listed separately |
| Tariff position | Vehicle HS code applies; Form E may reduce duty for ASEAN | Parts HS codes apply — may attract lower rates in some markets | Component HS codes apply — often lowest tariff for local-assembly markets |
| Local assembly required | None — ready to sell | Partial — join major subassemblies | Full local assembly required |
| Best for | Dealers wanting ready-to-sell stock quickly | Markets with light local-assembly incentives or modest tariff savings | Markets with strong local-assembly policies or highest tariff savings needed |
Dealer Pre-Order Document Checklist
- Confirm the import tariff classification (HS code) for electric vehicles in your country before choosing CBU, SKD or CKD
- Verify whether your country is an ASEAN member state eligible for Form E duty preference
- For lithium battery models: notify STARGO of your shipping route (sea / air) so UN38.3 and MSDS are prepared in time
- Request STARGO's standard CI and PL template before your first order to confirm all required fields for your customs authority
- Confirm local import licence or type-approval requirements for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in your market
- Align on the B/L release method (original or telex) and the notify-party details before vessel departure
Frequently asked questions
What documents does STARGO provide for every shipment?
STARGO provides commercial invoice (CI), packing list (PL), bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin (CO) and Form E for ASEAN-bound shipments. UN38.3 and MSDS for lithium batteries are confirmed per model and configuration before shipment.
What is Form E and who can use it?
Form E is the certificate of origin under the China–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Importers in ASEAN member states (Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei) may use it to claim preferential import tariff rates on qualifying goods from China. The actual saving depends on each country's tariff schedule and the product HS code.
Does STARGO ship lithium batteries by air?
Lithium battery shipments by air are subject to stricter IATA regulations. Readiness for air freight depends on the battery model, configuration and state of charge. Dealers should discuss the shipping method with STARGO before ordering to ensure UN38.3 and MSDS documentation matches the chosen route.
What is the difference between CKD, SKD and CBU for import?
CBU (completely built up) means the vehicle ships fully assembled — ready to sell after passing local inspection. SKD (semi-knocked down) means major subassemblies are shipped separately for light local joining. CKD (completely knocked down) means all components ship loose for full local assembly. The main import consideration is that parts and components are classified under different HS codes from finished vehicles, which can result in lower import duties in markets that want to develop local assembly.
How early should I request export documents from STARGO?
Draft CI and PL can be provided at the proforma invoice stage so you can verify the format with your customs agent before production starts. Form E, B/L and final documents are issued after the container is loaded. For lithium battery models, UN38.3 and MSDS availability should be confirmed at the order stage.
Can STARGO arrange the freight forwarder?
STARGO coordinates logistics via Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qinzhou and Nansha sea ports, and via the Pingxiang (Youyiguan) land border to Vietnam and the Mohan border to Laos. For sea freight, buyers typically work with their own freight forwarder or STARGO can recommend partners — discuss your route and incoterm at the quotation stage.
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