Table of Contents
1. Are pickups and 4x4s allowed?
Yes. Pickup trucks, SUVs and 4x4s enter China under the same temporary import rules as passenger cars. A Ford F-150, Toyota Land Cruiser or Hilux is a perfectly normal sight at the Mohan border — overlanders love the extra clearance and load space.
2. Size, weight & registration
Your vehicle's original registration document states its class and dimensions. Customs uses that record for the temporary entry; as long as the vehicle is road-legal in your home country, it can enter China. There is no separate "truck" class for temporary entry — it is treated as a private vehicle on a Temporary Import Permit.
3. Customs & deposit for trucks
The deposit is calculated on the vehicle's declared value — for a new pickup that can mean a large sum at 50%. With a customs guarantee arranged by a licensed agency, the deposit drops to a symbolic RMB 10,000, refunded on exit. See our temporary import permit page for the details.
Heads-up: the temporary plate and permit are tied to the vehicle VIN. If you plan to tow a trailer, confirm with the border whether the trailer is registered separately.
4. Overlanding gear in the bed
Roof tents, recovery gear and spare fuel: personal equipment carried in the vehicle is generally allowed as part of the vehicle's belongings, but check the list with your agency before arrival. Fuel cans are the item most often questioned by customs — confirm the rule in advance.
5. Why pickups love Mohan
Mohan connects China with Laos and Thailand — two markets where the Ford Raptor, Hilux and Ranger are hugely popular. As a result, the port handles pickups every week and the process is well exercised. See our Mohan border guide for the full crossing walkthrough.
Driving a truck or 4x4 into China?
Send us your vehicle details for a confirmed requirement list and quote.
Ask a Question →