BEIJING, March 17, 2026 — China has rolled out new regulations to standardize its used car export industry, shifting from "scale-driven" to "quality-oriented" development. Jointly issued by multiple government departments, the measures aim to curb irregularities and promote healthy cross-border trade.
Since January 1, 2026, vehicles registered for less than 180 days cannot be exported as "used cars" without a manufacturer’s after-sales confirmation letter. This targets dealers who pass off nearly new vehicles as used cars to evade supervision, which has harmed Chinese automotive brands overseas.
China’s used car exports surged from 15,000 units in 2021 to 436,000 in 2024, with 500,000 expected in 2025. However, 70%-80% were "zero-kilometer" vehicles disguised as used cars, causing frequent overseas complaints. Genuine used passenger car exports in 2025 were only 40,000-50,000 units, highlighting weak supervision.
To address this, four key ministries issued six measures in late 2025, including strict compliance reviews, dynamic enterprise management, and a dishonest behavior negative list.
Policies also improve support systems and clarify enterprise qualifications: circulation firms need fixed premises and professional appraisers, while production enterprises must be officially listed.
China now exports used cars to over 160 countries, mainly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. With new regulations, the industry is set for standardized development and enhanced global competitiveness.
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