Complete Export Guide for the Deepal S07
The Deepal S07 has quickly become one of the most requested models in China auto export enquiries — and for good reason. Built by Changan's new energy brand DEEPAL, the S07 is a mid-size SUV that combines a 2,900 mm wheelbase, a 15.6-inch rotating central display, and a choice of fully electric or extended-range powertrains, all at a price point that undercuts comparable Japanese and Korean crossovers by a meaningful margin. For importers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, it represents one of the cleanest entries into the new energy segment currently available from China.
But sourcing the vehicle is the easy part. Getting it landed, homologated, and retailed profitably is where most importers lose margin. This guide walks through the practical side of a Deepal S07 car export programme — powertrain selection, documentation, duty calculation, market fit, and shipping.
Why the Deepal S07 Fits Emerging Export Markets
BEV vs EREV: choose the powertrain that matches your charging infrastructure
The S07 ships in two configurations, and picking the wrong one for your market is the single most common sourcing mistake we see.
- Deepal S07 BEV — a 190 kW rear-mounted motor paired with either a 66.8 kWh or 79.97 kWh LFP battery, delivering roughly 520–628 km of CLTC range. This is the right choice for markets with public charging density: Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the UAE, and Chile's urban corridors.
- Deepal S07 EREV — a 1.5 L petrol generator feeding a 175 kW electric motor, with 18.99 kWh or 31.73 kWh battery packs giving 125–215 km of pure-electric running and 1,100 km+ combined. The EREV removes range anxiety entirely and is the stronger commercial proposition in Nigeria, Kenya, Saudi Arabia's secondary cities, Peru, and much of Latin America where DC fast charging is sparse.
Right-hand drive availability
DEEPAL already produces right-hand drive S07 units for Thailand, Malaysia, and Australasia. If you are importing into a RHD market, confirm RHD allocation with your supplier before signing — RHD builds carry longer lead times than LHD and are rarely available from spot stock. Left-hand drive units cover the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America without issue.
The China Auto Export Process, Step by Step
Step 1 — Supplier qualification and vehicle sourcing
Complete vehicles for export are sourced either through the OEM's authorised export channel or through licensed trading companies holding valid vehicle distribution qualifications. Verify three documents before paying a deposit: the supplier's foreign trade operator registration, their automotive distribution licence, and a recent export record for the same HS code. Brand-new S07s should arrive with the manufacturer's certificate of conformity, a complete charging kit, and a warranty document that specifies whether coverage transfers to the end customer in your country — many Chinese OEM warranties are geographically limited, so confirm this in writing.
Step 2 — Export licensing and documentation
A standard Deepal S07 car export shipment requires: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, export licence, and the vehicle's certificate of conformity. For ASEAN destinations, request a Form E certificate of origin under the ACFTA agreement — this is what converts a 20–80% MFN duty into 0%. For RCEP member states where Form E does not apply, use the RCEP origin declaration instead. Certificates must be issued before departure; retroactive claims are difficult and often rejected.
Step 3 — Dangerous goods and battery compliance
This is where inexperienced shippers get stuck at port. Lithium-ion batteries fall under UN Class 9 dangerous goods. You will need a valid UN38.3 test report, a battery MSDS, and a dangerous goods declaration. Most ocean carriers also require the battery state of charge to be at or below 30% at the time of loading. Confirm SOC handling with your consolidator before the vehicles leave the factory, because rework at the port terminal is expensive and slow.
Step 4 — HS classification and customs declaration
The BEV variant is normally declared under HS 8703.80. The EREV variant is more nuanced — depending on how the destination customs authority treats a generator that does not mechanically drive the wheels, it may be classified under 8703.80 or under the 8703.60/8703.70 plug-in hybrid subheadings. Obtain a written classification ruling from a broker in your destination country before shipping, because the duty differential between these codes can exceed 15 percentage points.
Tariff and Landed-Cost Calculation
Indicative duty treatment for complete Deepal S07 units (rates change frequently — verify with a local broker before committing to a price):
| Market | Import duty | Other taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 0% (Form E) | Excise reduced under EV incentive package, 7% VAT | RHD required |
| Malaysia | 0% (CBU EV exemption) | Sales tax exemption | Exemption validity should be re-confirmed each year |
| UAE | 5% | 5% VAT | LHD; GCC conformity required |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | 15% VAT | SABER/SASO certification |
| Nigeria | 20% | 15% VAT plus levies | Confirm current levies at port |
| Chile / Peru | 6% | 19% / 18% VAT | LHD, straightforward clearance |
| Mexico | 20% | 16% IVA | No FTA with China |
Worked example — two BEV units to Thailand in one 40HQ:
- FOB Shanghai: USD 22,000 per unit
- Ocean freight: USD 1,400 per container → USD 700 per unit
- Marine insurance at 0.3% of CIF: ≈ USD 70 per unit
- CIF value: ≈ USD 22,770 per unit
- Import duty (Form E): USD 0
- Excise: applied on CIF at the prevailing scheme rate
- VAT 7%: calculated on CIF + duty + excise
- Port clearance, THC and inland delivery: ≈ USD 350 per unit
Landed cost before VAT lands near USD 23,100 per unit. Build your retail pricing from that number, not from the FOB quote — importers who anchor on FOB consistently underprice by 6–9% and lose the margin in the first quarter.
Target Market Analysis
- Southeast Asia — the strongest region for the S07. Thailand and Malaysia both have generous EV incentive frameworks, established charging networks, and consumer familiarity with Chinese NEV brands. Indonesia is high-volume but requires attention to local content rules. RHD only.
- Middle East — the UAE and Saudi Arabia favour the EREV for inter-city driving and the BEV for fleet and ride-hailing operators. Summer heat means battery thermal management and air-conditioning load should be part of your customer education material.
- Africa — Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana show strong demand for the EREV, where fuel cost savings on 150 km of daily electric running are the core selling point. Expect longer clearance times and budget for demurrage.
- Latin America — Chile, Peru, and Mexico are LHD, price-sensitive, and increasingly receptive to Chinese NEVs. Mexico's 20% duty makes specification choice critical; the lower-capacity battery variant usually lands in the competitive bracket.
Logistics Solutions
Two shipping methods dominate. RoRo is cheaper per unit on volume orders to main ports such as Laem Chabang, Jebel Ali, and Callao, but offers no protection against salt spray and requires the vehicle to be drivable. Container shipping in 40HQ units fits two S07s per container, or three smaller models with frame racking; it gives better protection, allows mixed loading, and is the practical choice for orders under ten units. Sailings depart Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou, and Tianjin, with typical transit times of 7–12 days to Southeast Asia, 18–25 days to the Gulf, 28–35 days to West Africa, and 30–40 days to Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Deepal S07 available in right-hand drive from the factory?
Yes. DEEPAL produces RHD S07 units for Thailand, Malaysia, and Australasian markets. Allocation is limited, so place RHD orders at least 60–90 days ahead of your target sailing date.
Can I import the S07 as a single unit?
You can, but the economics rarely work. Freight, dangerous goods documentation, and certificate of origin costs are largely fixed per shipment, so a one-unit order typically carries a 25–35% logistics premium over a container-share order of four to six vehicles.
What warranty applies to exported Deepal S07 vehicles?
Coverage varies by destination and channel. Some exports carry a China-domestic warranty only, while OEM-authorised export channels offer regional coverage. Always obtain the warranty terms in writing and confirm whether your local workshop can perform authorised servicing.
How long does the full export process take?
From confirmed order to vessel departure is typically 25–45 days for in-stock configurations, and 60–90 days for RHD or custom-specification builds. Add transit and clearance time on top of that.
Ready to Build Your Deepal S07 Import Programme?
Whether you are testing the market with a single 40HQ or planning a multi-port distribution network across Southeast Asia and the Gulf, getting the documentation, duty classification, and powertrain mix right at the outset determines your margin for the entire year. Contact our team via WhatsApp at +8618038785423 for a personalized export quote — we will map the landed cost to your specific destination port and confirm current RHD allocation.