Used Excavator Import to Middle East | Policy, T/T Payment & On‑Site Inspection
Complete guide to importing used excavators from China to the Middle East. Country‑specific age limits, SASO/Saber/COC certificates, on‑site inspection, T/T advance payment. No L/C – simple and transparent.

Comprehensive Guide: Importing Used Excavators from China to the Middle East
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 Middle Eastern Countries
Import rules vary across the Middle East. GCC countries have some common standards, while others have specific national requirements. Always verify with local authorities before shipping.
| Country | Age Limit | Other Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Max 5 years for used machinery | Mandatory Saber certification + COC (Certificate of Conformity). Import license required. Must meet SASO energy efficiency and emission standards (Euro IV). VAT 15%. |
| UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) | Max 7 years | ESMA certification required. Pre‑shipment inspection (COC) from authorized bodies like SGS or Intertek. VAT 5%. |
| Qatar | Max 5 years | Certificate of Conformity (COC) required. Pre‑shipment inspection by authorized agency. VAT 0% (no VAT). Customs duty ~5%. |
| Kuwait | Max 5 years | Requires KUCAS registration and COC. Import license needed. VAT 0%. |
| Oman | Max 7 years | COC (DGSM) required. Pre‑shipment inspection by authorized body. VAT 5%. |
| Bahrain | Max 5 years | COC required. Pre‑shipment inspection. VAT 10%. |
| Turkey | Max 5 years | Import license from Ministry of Trade. Must meet Euro VI emission standards. CE marking often required. VAT 18%. |
| Iran | Max 5 years | Import permit from Ministry of Industry. Mandatory standard inspection (ISIRI). Due to sanctions, payment and shipping require special arrangements. |
| Iraq | Max 10 years | Import license required. COC from authorized agency (e.g., Intertek). Customs duty ~15%. |
| Jordan | Max 7 years | COC required. Pre‑shipment inspection. VAT 16%. |
| Lebanon | Max 5 years | Import license required. COC recommended. Customs duty ~10%. |
| Israel | No strict age limit, but older machines face higher scrutiny | Import license from Ministry of Economy. Must meet emission standards (Euro IV). Pre‑shipment inspection by authorized agency. VAT 17%. |
Note: For GCC countries (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain), the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) regulations apply. A Certificate of Conformity (COC) from an approved body (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) is almost always required. Customs duties typically 5% or less; VAT varies.
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
Most Middle Eastern countries require a Pre‑shipment Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or similar. Saudi Arabia requires Saber registration + product COC. UAE requires ESMA approval. Turkey demands CE marking and Euro VI compliance. Always check the latest requirements with your local customs broker.
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 from Chinese ports to major Middle Eastern ports (Jebel Ali (Dubai), Dammam, Jeddah, Doha, Shuwaikh, Sohar, Bandar Abbas, Ashdod) typically takes 20-35 days. Express sea freight options available to some ports.
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 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 GCC COC and Saber requirements
For Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, failing to obtain a valid COC or Saber registration before shipment can result in seizure, heavy fines, or forced re‑export. Ensure your local importer has these certifications.
② Age limits
Most Middle Eastern countries impose strict age limits (usually 5-7 years). Older excavators are generally not allowed.
③ Emission standards
Euro IV is the minimum standard in most GCC countries; Turkey requires Euro VI. Older engines may be rejected.
④ Import licenses and permits
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq require prior import licenses. Ensure your importer has obtained these before we ship.
⑤ Documentation accuracy
All customs documents must be accurate and consistent; discrepancies can lead to delays, fines, or seizure. Documents must clearly state the excavator's age, brand, model, and serial number.
⑥ Language requirements
Technical documentation may need translation into Arabic (for most countries) or Turkish (for Turkey).
⑦ Local payment permission
Some countries (e.g., Iran, Turkey) have currency control regulations – verify fund transfer rules with your bank.
⑧ Sanctions
Shipping to Iran, Syria, or certain entities in other countries may be subject to international sanctions – we require confirmation that your transaction is fully compliant.
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