How China Regulates Used Car Exports in 2026

China has announced a comprehensive update to its used car export policy, effective January 1, 2026, marking a new step toward building a transparent and well-regulated automotive export market.

The directive, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and the General Administration of Customs (GAC), introduces tighter export licensing procedures and clearer compliance requirements.

The goal is to promote fair competition and ensure the healthy, sustainable growth of China’s used car export sector.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce

Key Policy Measures

• Strict vehicle eligibility standards – Cars registered for less than 180 days can no longer be exported unless accompanied by a Post-Sale Service Confirmation Letter from the manufacturer, detailing destination, vehicle info, and after-sales support.
• Stronger export license requirements – Exporters must provide accurate data matching official vehicle certificates. Incomplete or inconsistent applications will be denied, and repeat violations may be publicly reported.
• Corporate credit and exit mechanism – Authorities will monitor exporters’ performance. Firms with repeated dishonest behavior or failure to meet warranty and service obligations may face suspension from export activities.
• Tighter control of modified vehicles – Exporters must provide proof of genuine modifications and ensure models appear in MIIT’s official catalog. Unverified or uncertified products will not be approved.
• Support for sustainable development – Local authorities are encouraged to help exporters expand into global markets, build overseas after-sales systems, and cooperate with logistics and financial partners to develop one-stop export services.

Building a Stronger Export Ecosystem

Beyond stricter licensing and compliance rules, the new policy also focuses on improving the supporting export ecosystem to ensure long-term stability and service reliability.

Local authorities are directed to encourage closer cooperation among exporters, automakers, logistics companies, and financial institutions, creating a more complete and efficient export chain.

The policy calls for the development of dedicated trading hubs for used car exports, offering integrated services such as inspection, refurbishment, customs clearance, and logistics under one roof.

By building these one-stop platforms, China aims to make used car exports — especially electric vehicles — more competitive and convenient for global buyers.

Additionally, exporters are urged to collaborate with third-party warranty providers and after-sales service networks abroad. This ensures that international customers have easier access to spare parts, repair support, and warranty fulfillment — a key move toward strengthening global trust in Chinese vehicles.

Industry Impact

The 2026 policy underscores China’s determination to standardize its used car export market, which has grown rapidly alongside the country’s booming electric vehicle industry.

By combining stricter regulation with long-term support measures, China aims to boost the credibility and competitiveness of its exporters while ensuring international buyers receive reliable vehicles and consistent service quality.

The directive also aligns with China’s broader strategy to integrate new energy vehicles (NEVs) into global markets responsibly, emphasizing after-sales support, parts supply, and environmental standards.

For overseas partners, this policy represents a more structured and transparent framework for importing Chinese used cars and EVs.

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Issued by: Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and General Administration of Customs (GAC)

Source: Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM), Notice on Further Strengthening the Administration of Used Vehicle Exports, November 11, 2025. https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zwgk/zcfb/art/2025/art_32a65aa9aaaf4ff8a40bdd3f755a2da4.html