Policy Guide: Importing Used Excavators from China to Africa

Important Update (as of May 2026)

To further promote trade between China and Africa, China has fully implemented duty‑free treatment on all products originating from 53 African nations with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026. This significant policy will greatly facilitate two‑way trade.

"No Permit, No Excavator" Policy

The Government of Ghana has introduced a strict "No Permit, No Excavator" policy. You will not be allowed to import an excavator into Ghana unless you have obtained a permit from the Ministry of Transport.

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Used Excavators from China

1. What We Need from You (Documents Required Before Shipment)

Before we proceed, we ask you to provide the following information so we can prepare the correct documents and check if your local market has any special requirements:

① Excavator details: brand, model, serial number, year of manufacture, operating hours, overall condition, and photos of the machine and its nameplate;

② Importer information: your company name, address, contact details, and local business registration number (if applicable);

③ Destination port and preferred shipping terms: e.g., CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) to your nearest port, or FOB (Free on Board) from a Chinese port.

Once we receive these details, we will finalize the HS code classification, confirm whether any specific certifications are required at your destination, and proceed with the export process.

2. On‑site Inspection – You Are Welcome to Visit

Before any payment, you or your representative are warmly welcome to visit our facility in China to inspect the used excavator in person. We believe in full transparency – you can check the engine, hydraulic system, undercarriage, and overall condition. We can also arrange a live video call or send detailed inspection videos if an in‑person visit is not possible.

3. Chinese Export Requirements

① Ensuring the excavator is legally exportable

Before any export can take place, the excavator must be legally owned and free of any legal disputes. We will provide proof of ownership, such as original purchase invoices and maintenance records, to verify that the equipment has a clean title.

② Compliance with Chinese used machinery regulations

All used machinery exported from China requires an inspection and filing under China's "Old Mechanical and Electrical Products" regulatory system. We will also arrange for a pre‑shipment inspection by an authorized third‑party agency such as CCIC, which will issue a Pre‑shipment Inspection Certificate confirming the equipment's condition and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

③ Customs declaration

Once all documents are ready, we will file a customs declaration using the correct HS Code for your excavator. The key HS codes are:

8429521100 – Tyred excavator (rubber‑tracked excavators)
8429521200 – Crawler excavator (tracked excavators)

The customs declaration requires detailed information, including the excavator's brand, model, serial number, year of acquisition, condition, and all supporting documentation. At this stage, you will also receive customs documents that will be used for your local clearance, including the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List.

④ Container loading and sealing

After customs approves the declaration, we will supervise the loading of the excavator into a container or onto a flat rack and secure the shipment. The container will be sealed with a customs lock, and we will provide you with photos and records of the sealing process for your reference.

4. Import Regulations in African Countries

Different African countries have different rules for importing used excavators. Below is a summary of key requirements for some major markets:

Note: Tariff rates vary across countries, generally ranging from 5%‑30% of CIF value for used machinery imports, with VAT typically between 7.5%‑18%.

5. Pre‑Shipment Verification and Certification

① Confirming the HS code, age, and condition

We will confirm the correct HS code for your excavator based on its type, specifications, brand, model, year of manufacture, and current condition.

② Identifying destination country certificate requirements

Many African countries require pre‑shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) certificates. Examples include Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Angola, and the Central African Republic. These certificates must be issued by authorized inspection agencies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.

③ Pre‑shipment inspection

If required for your country, we will arrange for an independent pre‑shipment inspection to verify that the excavator meets your local standards. The inspection covers:

Verification of machine identification (brand, model, serial number, year)
Mechanical condition assessment (engine, hydraulic system, structural integrity)
Visual inspection and photo documentation for customs purposes

6. Payment – Simple and Direct (T/T in Advance)

We operate on a cash‑before‑shipment basis using Telegraphic Transfer (T/T). The process is straightforward:

You inspect the excavator (on‑site or via live video) and confirm the machine meets your requirements.
We issue a Proforma Invoice stating the total amount (machine price + shipping, insurance, etc., depending on the trade term).
You make a 100% T/T payment to our company bank account before we load the container.
Upon receipt of the full payment, we proceed with loading, customs clearance, and shipment.
We provide you with the Bill of Lading and all other shipping documents for your customs clearance at the destination.

Why we do not recommend Letter of Credit (L/C): L/C is slow, expensive, and involves heavy bank document checking. For used machinery, we prefer a simple, transparent, and fast T/T arrangement, which also allows us to offer you a more competitive price. You are always welcome to inspect the machine before paying – this way you know exactly what you are buying.

7. Shipping and Logistics

① International shipping

Ocean freight is the most cost‑effective option for shipping used excavators to Africa. Typical transit times from major Chinese ports to African ports range from 30 to 50 days, depending on the destination.

② Container types

For standard‑sized excavators, a 40‑foot flat rack container or open‑top container is typically used.
For oversize excavators, breakbulk (Ro‑Ro) shipping is arranged.
We will provide the Bill of Lading, packing list, and commercial invoice for your local customs clearance.

③ Port handling and delivery

Upon arrival at your destination port, we can assist with customs clearance through our local agent partners, or you can use your own customs broker. Before the shipment arrives, we will send you all the necessary documents, including the Bill of Lading, to help you prepare.

8. Important Risks and Considerations

① Ghana's current excavator import ban

The government of Ghana has implemented an immediate ban on the importation of excavators under a strict "No Permit, No Excavator" policy. All shipping lines have been instructed to cease transporting excavators into Ghana without a permit. Please check the current status before proceeding with any shipment to Ghana.

② Age limits

Several African countries impose maximum age limits (often 8–10 years) on imported used excavators. Older machines may be refused entry or face import bans.

③ Emission standards

An increasing number of countries require imported used machinery to meet EURO III or higher emission standards.

④ Documentation accuracy

All customs documents must be accurate and consistent, as discrepancies can lead to shipment delays at your destination.

⑤ Language requirements

Some countries require technical documentation to be translated into local languages.

⑥ Local payment permission

Some African countries require import permits, import declaration forms (e.g., IDF for Kenya), or central bank foreign exchange approval before funds can be transferred.

Our commitment to you

We provide high‑quality used excavators that meet your local market standards. You are welcome to inspect the machine before payment. We offer a simple T/T‑in‑advance process with no hidden fees, and we will support you throughout the entire shipping and customs clearance process. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our Location

No.150, Baogong Ave & Dazhong Rd, Longgang Comprehensive Economic Development Zone, Yaohui District, Hefei, Anhui, China (approx. 250m east of Poly·Rolan Spring)