FOB pricing is the foundation of any vehicle export deal from China. For Russian dealers and importers, understanding exactly what FOB covers—and what it does not—prevents costly surprises at the port of Vladivostok or St. Petersburg. This walkthrough breaks down the export process into clear stages, each with the documents, timelines, and cost components you need to control. We reference real stock examples from carsfromchinaexport.com to illustrate how FOB figures translate into landed cost. All prices are FOB reference values; final quotes depend on configuration, currency fluctuation, and current availability.
Stage 1: Inquiry and Vehicle Selection (Days 1–3)
The process begins with a specific request. You provide the make, model, year range, mileage ceiling, and budget in USD. Vague inquiries slow everything down. For example, a request for a 2017 Ford Focus with up to 80,000 km and a budget near $3,600 FOB points directly to stock ID GL-CHE-9107, a left-hand-drive sedan with automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, petrol engine, and Smart Tech package. That vehicle is listed as in stock, with an FOB reference price of $3,600. At the higher end, a 2024 Maybach S-Class S 480 4MATIC with 39,000 km, stock ID GL-CHE-9286, carries an FOB reference of $172,600. The brand inventory for Maybach ranges from $82,400 to $177,800 across three units. Ford inventory spans $3,000 to $102,200 across 18 units. During inquiry, confirm steering position (left-hand drive is standard for EAEU import), fuel type, and port of shipment—all our stock ships from China. If a unit is marked "в наличии" (in stock), it can be reserved quickly. If not, expect a sourcing delay.
Stage 2: Quotation and FOB Breakdown (Days 3–5)
Once a vehicle is identified, you receive a formal quotation. The FOB price covers the vehicle loaded onto the carrier at the Chinese port, plus export documentation and customs clearance in China. It does not cover ocean freight, insurance, or import duties in Russia or the EAEU. For a 2014 Ford Mondeo with 100,000 km, stock ID GL-CHE-0086, the FOB reference is $4,800. A 2014 Ford Mondeo is a left-hand-drive, petrol sedan, listed as in stock. The quotation should state the Incoterms explicitly: FOB. Ask for the stock ID and listing ID—these are identical in our system, e.g., GL-CHE-9107. The quote also specifies the port of shipment (China) and the expected loading window. Currency is USD. If the quote lacks a stock ID or Incoterms, request a corrected version. This stage is where you compare FOB across suppliers; a lower FOB from an unknown seller often hides missing export documents or a vehicle not actually in stock.
Stage 3: Sample Inspection and Verification (Days 5–10)
For B2B buyers, a physical or remote inspection reduces risk. If you cannot travel to China, we arrange a third-party inspection covering mileage, accident history, and electronic diagnostics. The 2017 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107, for instance, is described as a clean sedan with 80,000 km, no owner changes, and a Smart Tech package. The 2024 Maybach S-Class S 480 4MATIC GL-CHE-9286 has 39,000 km, a facelift model, black exterior, and no hand-to-hand transfers. Inspection reports include photos of the odometer, VIN plate, and undercarriage. For the Mondeo GL-CHE-0086, with 100,000 km, we verify service records where available. This stage typically adds 3–5 days but prevents disputes later. If the vehicle does not match the listing, you can cancel before production or shipping. No payment for freight is made until inspection is accepted.
Stage 4: Production and Documentation (Days 10–20)
"Production" for used cars means preparing the vehicle for export. This includes washing, minor servicing, and assembling the export documentation package. Required documents: export license, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading instructions. For the Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107, the export package is prepared in China. For the Maybach GL-CHE-9286, additional documentation may be needed for high-value vehicles, including proof of funds and enhanced customs declaration. The timeline depends on the port and the vehicle's location. During this stage, you confirm the final FOB price is locked. Currency fluctuations can affect the USD figure if payment is delayed. We recommend a deposit of 30% to initiate production, with the balance due before loading. All stock IDs remain active until deposit is received. If a vehicle is sold, we notify you within 24 hours and suggest alternatives from the same brand inventory range—for Ford, 18 units from $3,000 to $102,200; for Maybach, 3 units from $82,400 to $177,800.
Stage 5: Quality Control and Pre-Shipment Check (Days 20–25)
Before the vehicle leaves China, a final QC check is performed. This covers fluid levels, battery health, tire condition, and a diagnostic scan. For the 2017 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107, QC confirms the 80,000 km mileage and automatic transmission function. For the 2014 Ford Mondeo GL-CHE-0086, QC verifies the left-hand drive configuration and petrol engine. Any discrepancies are documented and either fixed or disclosed. You receive a QC report with timestamped photos. This step is separate from the initial inspection and focuses on export readiness. If the vehicle fails QC, we either repair it at our cost or refund the deposit. No vehicle is loaded without a passed QC. This stage typically takes 2–3 days. For high-value units like the Maybach GL-CHE-9286, QC includes a battery test and a check of the 4MATIC system.
Stage 6: Shipping and Freight Forwarding (Days 25–45)
Once QC passes, the vehicle is loaded onto a vessel at the Chinese port. FOB terms mean our responsibility ends when the vehicle is on board. You or your freight forwarder handle ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges. Typical transit times from China to Russian Far East ports (Vladivostok, Nakhodka) are 7–14 days. To St. Petersburg or Novorossiysk, expect 30–45 days. For the Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107, shipping to Vladivostok is common. For the Maybach GL-CHE-9286, we recommend enclosed transport or a dedicated container to protect the paint. The bill of lading is issued after loading and sent to you or your forwarder. You must arrange import clearance in Russia or the EAEU country of destination. EAEU customs regulations require a customs declaration, proof of origin, and payment of duties and VAT. We provide the export documents you need; we do not handle Russian import clearance. Ensure your forwarder has the original bill of lading or a telex release before the vessel arrives.
Stage 7: After-Sales and Support (Post-Delivery)
After the vehicle arrives and clears customs, our involvement shifts to support. We provide copies of all export documents for your records. If you discover a documentation error, we correct it within 5 business days. For mechanical issues that were not disclosed, we review the QC report and inspection photos. The 2017 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107 and the 2014 Ford Mondeo GL-CHE-0086 are used vehicles; minor wear is expected. We do not offer a warranty on used cars, but we do guarantee that the vehicle matches the listing description. For the 2024 Maybach S-Class S 480 4MATIC GL-CHE-9286, the low mileage (39,000 km) and facelift status are verified. If you plan to resell, we can provide additional photos and spec sheets. Repeat buyers receive priority allocation on new stock. Our inventory changes daily; check the brand inventory ranges for current availability. For Ford, 18 units from $3,000 to $102,200; for Maybach, 3 units from $82,400 to $177,800. All prices are FOB reference and subject to confirmation.
Practical Notes on FOB vs. Landed Cost
Many first-time importers confuse FOB with the final price. FOB is only the China-side cost. To estimate landed cost in Russia, add ocean freight (typically $1,500–$4,000 depending on port and vehicle size), insurance (0.5–1% of vehicle value), EAEU customs duty (varies by engine size and age), VAT (20% in Russia), and freight forwarder fees. For a $3,600 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107, the landed cost could easily double. For a $172,600 Maybach GL-CHE-9286, duties and VAT add a substantial amount. Always request a full landed-cost estimate from your forwarder before committing. We provide FOB quotes only; we do not quote landed cost because it depends on your destination and clearance method. This transparency is deliberate: it lets you compare our FOB price with other suppliers on an apples-to-apples basis.
Why FOB Pricing Dominates Chinese Car Exports
Chinese exporters prefer FOB because it limits their liability and simplifies accounting. Russian importers prefer FOB because it gives them control over freight and insurance, often securing better rates through their own forwarders. Under EAEU customs regulations, the importer of record must be a resident entity or an individual with a customs broker. FOB invoices are accepted for customs valuation, but you must declare the transaction value accurately. Undervaluing a vehicle to reduce duties is illegal and risks penalties. Our FOB reference prices reflect real market values. For example, the 2014 Ford Mondeo GL-CHE-0086 at $4,800 and the 2017 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107 at $3,600 are consistent with Chinese used-car market data. The 2024 Maybach S-Class S 480 4MATIC GL-CHE-9286 at $172,600 reflects its low mileage and facelift status. Use these figures as benchmarks when negotiating with other suppliers.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Pitfall 1: No stock ID. Always insist on a stock ID and listing ID. Our IDs are identical, e.g., GL-CHE-9107. Pitfall 2: Unclear Incoterms. Confirm FOB in writing. Pitfall 3: Missing export documents. The export license and certificate of origin are mandatory. Pitfall 4: Paying full amount upfront. Use a deposit (30%) and balance before loading. Pitfall 5: Ignoring EAEU customs. Work with a broker who knows Chinese export documents. Pitfall 6: Assuming FOB includes freight. It does not. Pitfall 7: Not inspecting. For used cars, inspection is critical. The 2017 Ford Focus GL-CHE-9107 has 80,000 km; the 2014 Ford Mondeo GL-CHE-0086 has 100,000 km. Verify mileage independently if possible. By following this process, you reduce risk and keep your landed cost predictable.
Summary Timeline
Inquiry: 1–3 days. Quotation: 3–5 days. Inspection: 5–10 days. Production and documentation: 10–20 days. QC: 20–25 days. Shipping: 25–45 days. After-sales: post-delivery. Total from inquiry to delivery in Russia: 45–70 days depending on port and customs. Use this timeline for planning. For urgent orders, air freight is possible but expensive and rarely used for vehicles. All stock ships from China. FOB prices are in USD. Contact us with a specific stock ID for the fastest response.