Can I import a golf cart from China? – Yes, absolutely!

Whether you’re purchasing for personal enjoyment or business resale, importing golf carts from China is completely feasible. You can start small — ordering one or two units as samples for testing — or place a bulk container order to enjoy more competitive pricing.

For individual buyers, importing an electric golf cart for use in resorts, private villas, residential communities, or golf courses is legal and straightforward.

For dealers and business buyers, bulk purchasing not only reduces the per-unit cost but also enables full customization — including your own brand logo, colors, seats, wheels, and lighting — helping you build a distinctive product line tailored to your market.

Before importing, it’s essential to carefully review the following 8 key points to avoid potential risks:

1. Understand the Quotation Terms (Incoterms) Before Purchasing

One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of importing is the quotation term—also known as Incoterms. Different quotation methods determine which costs you need to bear and how responsibilities are divided during transportation.

Below are explanations of several common quotation types:

1.1 EXW (Ex Works)

• Meaning: The supplier only delivers the goods at their factory; the price includes only the ex-factory cost of the product.
• Buyer’s responsibility: You must cover all costs from the factory to the final destination, including inland transport, export customs, ocean freight, import clearance, taxes, and local delivery.
• Best for: Buyers who already have freight forwarder resources and are familiar with international logistics.

Example:
If you are in California, USA, and purchase a golf cart on an EXW basis, you must arrange for a freight forwarder to pick up the goods at the factory, handle export clearance, ocean shipping, import clearance, and final delivery. The supplier’s only duty is to have the goods ready at their premises.

1.2 FOB (Free On Board)

• Meaning: The supplier delivers the goods to the designated port in China (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao) and handles export customs clearance.
• Buyer’s responsibility: You only need to arrange ocean freight from the port of departure to your destination port and handle import clearance and delivery afterward.
• Best for: Buyers with regular freight forwarders and a basic understanding of import procedures.

Example:
If you request FOB Shanghai, the supplier will deliver the golf cart to Shanghai Port, complete export customs, and load the goods onto the vessel. After that, your freight forwarder will manage shipping to your destination port and arrange customs clearance and delivery.

1.3 CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

• Meaning: The supplier is responsible for shipping the goods to the port in your country (e.g., Los Angeles, Hamburg, or Sydney) and covers the ocean freight and insurance.
• Buyer’s responsibility: You are responsible for import clearance, customs duties, and destination port charges.
• Best for: Buyers who prefer a more hands-off approach but can handle import customs independently.

Note: Port fees, tax rates, and customs regulations vary greatly between countries.
For example, in South Africa, the port handling fee for a single golf cart may be almost the same as for a full container load. In such cases, increasing the order quantity can significantly reduce your per-unit cost.

1.4 DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

• Meaning: The supplier handles everything — including shipping, customs clearance, import duties, and final delivery to your specified address.
• Buyer’s responsibility: Almost none.
• Best for: Buyers unfamiliar with international trade who prefer an “all-inclusive, door-to-door” price.

This option is the most convenient but usually the most expensive, as the supplier assumes all risks and procedures.
However, for first-time importers or individual buyers, DDP is often the safest and most worry-free choice.

2. Determine the Model and Specifications You Need

When choosing a golf cart, the most important step is to clearly define your purpose and passenger capacity requirements.

Different models vary in chassis design, configuration, size, and shipping method, which directly affect both the price and freight cost.

Below are some common types:

Model Type	Seating Capacity	Typical Application	Features
2-Seater	2-Seater	Personal use, small resorts	Compact size, easy to transport
4-Seater	4-Seater	Family use or golf courses	Most popular model
6-Seater	6-Seater	Resorts, hotels, tourist attractions	Higher passenger capacity
8-Seater	8-Seater	Large scenic areas, airport shuttles	Commonly used for commercial purposes
10-Seater	10-Seater	Group transfers, large resorts	Strong transport capacity
Utility Cart (Cargo Bed)	2–4 seats + cargo box	Property management, farms	Designed for carrying goods

Key Reminder:
The more seats a cart has, the longer the chassis and the larger the packaging volume, which means higher shipping costs.

If you plan to order in full containers, confirm with your supplier the container loading quantity and model combination options to help optimize transportation costs.

3. Choosing the Battery Type: Lithium Battery vs. Lead-Acid Battery

The battery is the heart of a golf cart — your choice directly affects the vehicle’s performance, lifespan, maintenance cost, and shipping expenses.

Lithium Battery

Advantages: Longer lifespan, Faster charging, Lighter weight.

Disadvantages: Higher shipping costs because it is classified as dangerous goods and requires special handling and documentation.

Required Documents:

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
• UN38.3 (International Transport Safety Test Report)
• Battery Transportation Identification Certificate

Lead-Acid Battery

Advantages: Lower cost, Easier maintenance, Simpler to transport.

Disadvantages: Shorter lifespan, Slower charging, Heavier weight.

Recommendation:
If your budget allows and you value long-term performance and reliability, choose lithium batteries.
If you’re on a tighter budget or need the cart only for short-term use, lead-acid batteries can be a practical and economical choice.

4. Customization and Optional Features

Chinese golf cart manufacturers generally offer a high level of customization. Before placing your order, you can confirm with the supplier whether you need any of the following optional upgrades:

Performance Upgrades

• Higher-power motors (e.g., 5 kW, 7.5 kW)
• Advanced control systems such as Curtis, AC drive systems, or CAN bus controllers

Exterior Customization

• Carbon-fiber dashboard
• Water-transfer printed interiors
• Personalized paint finishes (RAL color codes can be provided)

Comfort Features

• Leather seats
• Rear armrests
• Audio systems / Bluetooth speakers
• Reversing camera
• Sunshade canopy

Practical Accessories

• Golf bag holder
• Cooler box
• Sand bottle
• USB charging port
• LED light bar, etc.

5. Import Process Overview

Below is a typical workflow for importing golf carts from China:

1. Define product & specs → choose seating, battery type, configurations, etc.
2. Get quotations & confirm terms → clarify whether the price includes taxes and freight.
3. Place order & pay deposit → usually 30%–50% down payment.
4. Production & quality inspection → generally 15–30 days.
5. Packing & shipment → arrange sea or air freight per the container-loading plan.
6. Customs clearance & duties → handled by the buyer or their forwarder at the destination port.
7. Pickup & use → delivery completed; after-sales service begins.

6. Duties & Customs Clearance

Different countries have different import policies for electric golf carts.
In the USA, Canada, the EU, Australia, etc., electric vehicles are usually classified under HS Code 8703 or 8709.

Recommendations:

• Consult local customs or a customs broker before ordering to confirm applicable duty/VAT rates.
• Ensure the supplier provides complete export documentation (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/AWB, MSDS, UN38.3, etc.).
• If registration/plate is required, ask the manufacturer for MCO (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin), DOT documentation, COC certificate, CE certificate, etc.

7. Shipping Methods & Costs

• Sea + inland trucking are the most common. Sea freight is the most economical and suits bulk orders.
• As a general reference, 20GP can load about 2–4 units, 40HQ about 8–14 units, depending on model sizes.
• Rail freight is suitable for shipments to Central Asia, Russia, and landlocked European countries.

8. Communication Tips with Suppliers

When working with Chinese suppliers, it helps to:

1. Confirm the working language (English/Chinese).
2. Provide a clear purchase spec sheet (model, battery, configuration, color, etc.).
3. Confirm quotation validity (typically 15–30 days).
4. Request photos, videos, and test reports.
5. Clarify after-sales policy and warranty (commonly 1 year).

Importing golf carts isn’t complicated. For both individuals and companies, sourcing from China has become routine worldwide. Chinese suppliers offer mature manufacturing, stable supply chains, and flexible delivery options.

As long as you:

• Choose a reliable manufacturer,
• Clarify Incoterms and cost responsibilities,
• Select the right battery type and configuration, and
• Prepare customs documents and a shipping plan in advance, and you can easily complete your golf cart import journey.

If you have any questions, feel free to email info@asevvehicle.com or call +86 182 9343 8981, which is also our WhatsApp number.