Ship Car To Hong Kong

Car Shipping to Hong Kong

Shipping a car from the United States to Hong Kong may seem like a big task, but it’s more common than many think. Whether you're relocating, selling a vehicle overseas, or sending a car to family, the process is straightforward when you understand the steps involved. Expats are drawn to Hong Kong for various reasons in today's globally interconnected society. Many travelers bring their vehicles with them, which necessitates negotiating a complicated customs process.

A-1 Auto Transport has experience helping customers ship vehicles across the globe, including to Asia’s major ports. If you're planning to ship a car to Hong Kong, here we explain everything you need to know—document requirements, shipping methods, vehicle eligibility, and what to expect once the car arrives.

Why Ship a Vehicle?

People ship cars to Hong Kong for different reasons:

• Relocation: Moving for work, school, or family reasons.
• Returning residents: Hong Kong residents returning from the U.S. may want to bring their car home.
• Car sales or purchases: Collectors and buyers often look for American vehicles.
• Temporary stays or long-term visits: Bringing your own car offers convenience during extended stays.

No matter the reason, planning ahead is key to making sure your vehicle arrives safely and meets all regulations.

Shipping Methods from the USA to Hong Kong

There are two main shipping methods to choose from:

1. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping

This is the most cost-effective method. With RoRo, your vehicle is driven onto a large vessel designed for transporting wheeled cargo. It stays in a secure area during the voyage and is driven off when it arrives.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Suitable for running vehicles
• Regular departures from major U.S. ports

Cons:

• Your vehicle must be operable
• No personal belongings allowed inside the vehicle
• Not protected from sea exposure (though the interior deck is covered)

2. Container Shipping

With this option, your car is placed in a secure metal container. You can opt for a shared container (less expensive, but may involve waiting for other cars) or a sole-use container (more costly, but faster).

Pros:

• Better protection against weather and sea air
• Ideal for classic or high-value vehicles
• Allows you to ship personal items inside the container (if permitted)

Cons:

• More expensive than RoRo
• Longer preparation time for shared containers

Cost & Time For Shipments

Shipping time from the U.S. to Hong Kong typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the port of origin, shipping method, and any customs inspections. Common departure ports include Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, and Miami.

Keep in mind that delays can happen due to weather, customs clearance, or port congestion.

• *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
• *Save the ground cost by delivering to the nearest port.
• *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
• *Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
• *The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Location

Surrounded by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, it is one of the world’s leading centers for international finance and features an elaborate network of sea-based trade routes. Its deep natural harbor has, on occasion, been named the world’s busiest port of the year – most recently for a 6-year streak ending in 2004.

Customs

The Customs and Excise Department is responsible for the import of goods into the country. Some vehicles are prohibited from entry if they do not meet standards for emissions or other criteria – so take a moment to investigate whether yours is acceptable. You should obtain specific approval from the Environmental Protection Department before moving.

• For entry, you must have a document that proves that your vehicle meets emission standards. This document can come either direct from the auto manufacturer, or from a third-party inspection service.
• There is no customs duty on imported automobiles; however, you must submit a cargo declaration within 14 days of entry. You must also submit an import return form within 30 days.
• Before you can drive in the city, it must pass inspection. You must carry the original copy of the Certificate of Exemption to the examination center.
• Typically, only right-hand drive vehicles can be imported. You will need a special license if you want to import a left-hand drive vehicle.
• You will need to register it at the Department of Transport. Here, you must pay a first registration tax, a registration fee, and the license fee.

List of Documents Needed

The law requires several documents from you to clear customs upon arrival. Be prepared – arrive with the following items in hand:

• Original vehicle title (no liens unless accompanied by lien-holder permission)
• Bill of Sale
• U.S. passport or valid photo ID
• Proof of vehicle ownership
• Shipping invoice
• Import license (if applicable in Hong Kong)
• Pre-arrival notification documents for Hong Kong Customs

Registration Process in HK

Once the vehicle has cleared customs and passed inspection, the next step is registration. Here’s what’s typically involved:

• Import Declaration – File with Hong Kong Customs within 14 days of vehicle arrival.
• Vehicle Examination – Conducted by the Transport Department or a designated testing center.
• First Registration Tax Payment – Based on vehicle valuation provided by the Customs and Excise Department.
• Vehicle Registration & Licensing – Obtain license plates and vehicle permit to drive legally on Hong Kong roads.

You’ll also need to arrange motor vehicle insurance before the car can be registered.

Port of Arrival in HK

Vehicles shipped from the U.S. typically arrive at the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, the main port for containerized cargo in Hong Kong. From there, your vehicle is transferred to a customs warehouse for inspection and clearance.

Once the inspection is complete and the vehicle passes all tests, it can be picked up or delivered to your desired location in Hong Kong.

What Types of Vehicles Can Be Shipped?

A-1 Auto Transport helps move many types of vehicles to Hong Kong, including:

• Passenger cars and SUVs
• Pickup trucks
• Classic and antique vehicles
• Motorcycle moving services
• Electric vehicles (with proper documentation)
• Luxury and sports cars

Keep in mind that oversized vehicles may require special equipment and may be subject to additional fees.

How A-1 Auto Transport Helps

A-1 Auto Transport assists customers at every stage of the vehicle shipping process—from preparing documents and arranging transport to customs clearance and final delivery. We handle:

• Pickup from any location in the U.S.
• International shipping via RoRo or container
• Coordination with Hong Kong customs and authorities
• Vehicle insurance during transit (upon request)
• Customer support throughout the process

Our goal is to make car shipping to Hong Kong simple and smooth, whether you're sending a family vehicle or a high-end collector car.

Get a Quote for Shipping Your Vehicle

Shipping a car to Hong Kong involves planning, paperwork, and logistics—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A-1 Auto Transport offers reliable solutions and years of experience in global auto transport. Whether you’re shipping one car or several, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at 1-888-230-9116 for a free, no-obligation quote or to ask any questions you have about the shipping process.