China tightened its used-vehicle export administration from January 1, 2026. For overseas dealers and importers, the immediate task is to check the vehicle registration date, the exporter named in the documents and the evidence required for the proposed shipment.

This guide addresses Chinese used-vehicle export requirements. The receiving importer must also check the destination country’s import, registration and sales requirements.

The 180-day requirement: what the notice actually says

Under the November 2025 notice, an export application for a vehicle registered within 180 days, including day 180, needs an after-sales maintenance service confirmation issued and stamped by the vehicle manufacturer. It must identify the export country, vehicle and after-sales service outlets. Without it, the export licence is not issued.

A general supplier assurance or an unspecified brand-authorisation letter should not be treated as a substitute for that document. Export-licence approval and customs clearance are separate steps, each requiring the applicable documents.

Documents to check before placing an order

The 2024 used-vehicle export framework includes an export contract covering after-sales service, the vehicle registration document, a third-party inspection report and a destination-market conformity declaration. The exporter and vehicle details need to match the application.

  • Vehicle identity: obtain the model year, exact variant, first-registration date and VIN-specific records through a suitable private business channel.
  • Exporter: identify the legal entity signing the contract and applying for the export licence. Confirm its role before paying a deposit.
  • Recent registration: where the 180-day condition applies, check that the manufacturer’s confirmation covers the actual vehicle and destination.
  • After-sales responsibility: name the service provider, available parts, communication channel and contractual responsibility for claims.
  • Destination: ask the receiving importer to confirm local admissibility, taxes, technical inspection, certification and registration requirements.

New cars, used cars and registration age

Low mileage alone does not settle the export route or legal category. A vehicle advertised as “zero kilometre” may already have registration history. Ask the supplier to state the proposed route and explain the supporting documents. Vehicles outside the 180-day condition still need to satisfy the other applicable export requirements.

How to compare quotations under the rules

Compare offers using the same vehicle specification, vehicle condition, collection location, destination, quantity and trade term. Request separate prices for the vehicle, domestic movement, documentation, inspection, international transport, insurance and destination services where applicable. Record the quotation date, validity period and excluded charges.

Resale prices, dealer margins and shipping schedules depend on the vehicle and commercial agreement. Assess vehicle condition through the agreed inspection process, and keep acceptance criteria and payment milestones in writing.

Working with PortAuto

Send PortAuto your target model, quantity, destination and timing so the proposed sourcing and documentation responsibilities can be defined. For any order, ask which legal entity will contract, export and provide after-sales support. Where manufacturer authorisation is required for the proposed arrangement, request the document and confirm the named entity, brand, territory and validity.

Buyer questions

Does the rule ban all recently registered vehicles?

No. The notice specifies additional manufacturer-issued documentation for the defined registration-age group. It should not be summarised as a universal ban on parallel exports.

Is a Chinese export licence enough to register the vehicle abroad?

The receiving market has its own import and registration process. Resolve that separately with the importer and the relevant authority before committing to the shipment.

Can an article confirm that a supplier is qualified?

A public description is a starting point. Check the actual contracting entity, its applicable qualification and the shipment documents. A platform profile or vehicle photograph is not a substitute.

Sources

Sources checked on September 15, 2026.

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