Vehicle Inspection Before Export: A Practical Checklist for Dealers

Before a vehicle is loaded for export, the buyer and supplier should agree what will be inspected, how findings will be recorded and how any exceptions will be resolved. A short video helps explain visible condition, but the vehicle-specific inspection record is the evidence to use for an order.

48-second silent vehicle walkaround: exterior, wheels, cabin, rear seats and luggage area. A visual example, not a complete inspection report. The checklist below covers a broader process and does not describe every video shot as a completed test.

What is shown in the silent video?

0:00–0:07: front exterior; 0:07–0:16: wheels and tyres; 0:16–0:20: front cabin and seat controls; 0:20–0:33: rear seating; 0:33–0:43: luggage area and floor cover; 0:43–0:48: open tailgate. This is a text description of the visible sequence; there is no spoken commentary.

What should a pre-export vehicle inspection include?

Agree the exact vehicle and scope first. Then record exterior condition, check the cabin and agreed equipment, account for keys and supplied items, document exceptions, and keep the inspection evidence linked to the order before loading. The depth of testing depends on the service agreed for that vehicle.

1. Agree the vehicle and the inspection scope

Start with the exact model year, trim and powertrain in the written quotation. Match the vehicle identity to the order privately. Confirm who will inspect it, which checks are included and which checks are excluded. A visual walkaround, a pre-delivery check and an independent inspection can have different scopes; name the service being provided.

List the equipment, keys, charging accessories and other items included in the purchase. Agree when the inspection takes place and whether there will be another condition record before loading. This prevents a short promotional video from being mistaken for a complete inspection report.

2. Record the exterior from consistent angles

Take clear front, rear and side photographs, followed by closer views of lamps, glass, mirrors, wheels and tyres. Record visible scratches, dents or other exceptions with enough context to locate them on the vehicle. Keep the inspection date and the private vehicle record together.

Dust, protective film, reflections and poor lighting can hide surface details. Record these limitations and arrange cleaning or further examination where needed. Do not declare paintwork free of defects from an unclear video. Paint-depth measurement and concealed-damage checks need their own agreed method and evidence.

3. Review the cabin and agreed equipment

Record seat and trim condition, accessible storage areas, displays and the supplied equipment. Where functional checks are included, record what was actually operated and the result, rather than relying on a photograph of a switch. Match important options to the exact vehicle being purchased.

For an export vehicle, language, connectivity, navigation and connected services need separate confirmation for the intended market. A screen visible in a video does not establish that every service will work overseas. Mechanical, electrical, diagnostic or roadworthiness checks should be performed by an appropriately qualified person under an agreed procedure.

4. Check the luggage area, keys and supplied items

Review accessible luggage-area surfaces, floor panels and the accessories promised with the vehicle. Check the number of keys and the written accessory list. Photograph any missing, loose or damaged item and agree how it will be resolved.

For an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, identify any supplied charging equipment and its labels. The presence of a cable or charger alone does not establish compatibility at the destination. Confirm the actual vehicle connector and the intended installation separately; use a qualified installer where required.

5. Record exceptions and agree the next action

A useful inspection record says what was checked, the result, any limitation and the action required. Attach dated images or video to the private record for that vehicle. If something cannot be checked, state that clearly rather than converting an unknown into a pass.

Share material exceptions with the buyer before shipment. Agree whether they need correction, further evidence or written acceptance, and record the result. Avoid publishing vehicle identifiers, personal information or customer documents in a public sample.

6. Keep inspection and shipment evidence connected

Before loading, record the vehicle condition and the agreed supplied items again where this is part of the service. Keep the inspection record, exception resolutions and loading evidence linked to the order. The buyer should know which documents and images will be supplied.

Inspection is one part of an export purchase. It does not itself establish destination registration eligibility, customs acceptance, a warranty or insurance coverage. Confirm those requirements and responsibilities separately in the agreed transaction documents.

What should the buyer receive?

The agreed inspection scope and inspection date.
A private vehicle reference matched to the order.
Dated images and findings, including limitations.
A clear list of exceptions and agreed resolutions.
A record of the keys and supplied items checked.

The ECG Visual Inspection Guidelines offer industry guidance on documenting vehicle condition and exceptions at handover. If you are buying a CS75 PLUS, see our CS75 PLUS import checklist for the model details, costs and documents to agree with the seller.

Before requesting a quotation

Tell Harmo Auto the model, exact version, quantity, destination and intended purchase date. Ask which inspection and documentation services are included in the quotation. Our team can discuss the scope for your order; the sample video is not a promise that every possible test is included.

Prepare a useful vehicle quotation request · Explore the vehicle range · Discuss your inspection requirements