China's New Policy on Car Exports: A Professional Guide by IHKA Auto

Starting 2026, China's auto export sector pivots to quality, with stricter standards for sustainable growth.

  China has unveiled a new policy for its car export sector, effective January 1, 2026 . This strategic update mandates higher standards and greater transparency, marking a decisive shift from volume-driven exports to a future built on quality and reliable service.   For the original text of China's new automotive export policy, please refer to the official website of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China: https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zwgk/zcfb/art/2025/art_32a65aa9aaaf4ff8a40bdd3f755a2da4.html     As a forward-thinking exporter,  IHKA Auto  welcomes these developments. We see them as a crucial step in building global trust in Chinese vehicles and are fully prepared to not only comply with but exceed these new standards, turning regulatory updates into added value for our partners.     Understanding the New Policy   The policy, announced on November 14, 2025, by four government ministries including the Ministry of Commerce, introduces clear distinctions and management rules for different vehicle categories to eliminate market irregularities and promote fair competition.   This latest measure builds upon the export license management for pure-electric passenger vehicles established on September 26, 2025.   However, it significantly expands the scope by applying a unified standard to both new energy and conventional fuel vehicles. The core of the new rule is a 180-day vehicle registration period: effective January 1, 2026, vehicles registered for less than 180 days intended for export as "used cars" must obtain an After-sales Service Confirmation Letter from the vehicle manufacturer; otherwise, an export license will not be issued.    This move directly targets the practice of exporting new vehicles disguised as used cars, ensuring a more regulated and high-quality development path for China's automotive ex