Used Excavator Import from China to South America | Policy, Regulations & T/T Payment

Comprehensive Guide: Importing Used Excavators from China to South America

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

Before we proceed, please 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 any specific certifications 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

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 arrange 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

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. You will receive the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List for your local clearance.

④ Container loading and sealing

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

4. Import Regulations in South American Countries

Each South American country has its own rules for importing used excavators. Below is a summary of key requirements for major markets. Always verify with local authorities before shipping.

Note: Tariff rates vary widely, generally between 0% and 35% of CIF value, plus VAT (typically 12‑19%). Some countries offer trade bloc preferences (MERCOSUR, Andean Community).

5. Pre‑Shipment Verification and Certification

① Confirming HS code, age, and condition

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

② Destination country certificate requirements

Many South American countries require pre‑shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) or certificate of conformity from authorized agencies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek. Brazil may need INMETRO certification; Argentina requires LCI (License of Conformity).

③ Pre‑shipment inspection

If required, we arrange an independent pre‑shipment inspection covering:

- Machine identification (brand, model, serial number, year)
- Mechanical condition (engine, hydraulics, structure)
- Visual inspection and photo documentation for customs

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:

1. You inspect the excavator (on‑site or via live video) and confirm it meets your requirements.
2. We issue a Proforma Invoice stating the total amount (machine price + shipping, insurance, etc., depending on trade term).
3. You make a 100% T/T payment to our company bank account before we load the container.
4. Upon receipt of full payment, we proceed with loading, customs clearance, and shipment.
5. We provide you with the Bill of Lading and all other shipping documents for your customs clearance at 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. Typical transit times from major Chinese ports to South American ports (e.g., Santos, Callao, Buenos Aires, Valparaíso) range from 35 to 60 days depending on the destination.

② Container types

- Standard‑sized excavators: 40‑foot flat rack container or open‑top container.
- Oversize excavators: breakbulk (Ro‑Ro) shipping.
We provide 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 local agent partners, or you can use your own customs broker. We will send you all necessary documents (including Bill of Lading) before arrival to help you prepare.

8. Important Risks and Considerations

① Age limits

Several South American countries impose maximum age limits (often 5‑10 years) on imported used excavators. Older machines may be refused entry or face significant duties.

② Emission standards

Increasingly, countries require Euro III or higher emission standards (Brazil PROCONVE MAR-1, Argentina Euro III, Chile Euro V in some regions).

③ Import licenses and permits

Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador require prior import licenses or registrations. Failure to obtain these can result in seizure or re‑export.

④ Documentation accuracy

All customs documents must be accurate and consistent; discrepancies can lead to delays, fines, or rejection.

⑤ Language requirements

Some countries require technical documentation translated into Spanish or Portuguese (e.g., Brazil Portuguese; most others Spanish).

⑥ Local payment permission

Some countries require central bank foreign exchange approval or import declaration forms before funds can be transferred. Check with your local bank.

9. 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 support you throughout shipping and customs clearance.

Contact Us

Email: sales-01@richreach.cn  |  amy@richreach.cn

Phone / WhatsApp:
Frida: +86 19355385977
Amy: +86 18297527921

Our Location

Approx. 150m east of Baogong Ave & Dazhong Rd intersection, Longgang Comprehensive Economic Development Zone, Yaohui District, Hefei, Anhui (about 250m east of Poly Luolan Spring), China