Key Policies Chinese Automobile Importers Must Know in 2026
Introduction: Why 2026 Will Be a Turning Point for China’s Vehicle Export Market
Beginning in 2026, China will implement several major regulatory changes that directly affect used car exporters, overseas importers, EV buyers, and companies trading Chinese automobiles. These new rules aim to standardize the fast-growing automotive export market, reduce fraudulent “near-new” exports, and ensure compliance across modified vehicles and new-energy vehicles (NEVs).
This guide summarizes the three most important policy changes for 2026, why they matter, and how importers can prepare to avoid delays, penalties, and supply chain disruptions.
I. Ban on Export of Used Cars Registered for Less Than 180 Days
Policy Background
The period from 2019 to 2025 was an exploratory phase for used car exports in China, with annual exports soaring from less than 10,000 units to 400,000 units. However, the vast majority of these exports were nearly-new cars—vehicles registered twice in China and then sold as used cars, which disrupted the pricing of new cars exported by automobile manufacturers.
Policy Content
On November 14, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce announced a major adjustment to used car export policies. Effective January 1, 2026, used cars registered (not produced) for less than 180 days (inclusive) will be ineligible to apply for export licenses. The original text is as follows:
Strictly control the export of new cars in the name of used cars. Starting from January 1, 2026, for vehicles applying for export that have been registered for less than 180 days (including 180 days), competent commercial departments in all regions shall guide local enterprises to supplement and submit the "After-sales Maintenance Service Confirmation" issued by the vehicle's manufacturer. The confirmation shall include information such as the export country, vehicle details, and after-sales service network information, sealed with the manufacturer's official stamp. Export licenses shall not be issued for vehicles unable to provide the aforementioned documents. For vehicles that have completed transfer registration and are pending export before the implementation of this notice, enterprises shall be guided to fulfill contracts and conduct exports in an orderly manner. Original Policy
Policy Interpretation
Although the policy allows continued applications for export licenses upon submission of the "After-sales Maintenance Service Confirmation" from automobile manufacturers, the majority of manufacturers are expected to refuse to provide this confirmation. Genuine used car exports will replace nearly-new car exports as the market dominant force. It is recommended that importers shift their focus to the import of genuine used cars as soon as possible.
Since its establishment, ZEEX AUTO has always adhered to the principle of compliant operation. Eighty percent of its exported vehicles are legitimate used cars with genuine mileage, and the company insists on providing third-party independent inspection reports for each exported vehicle. This policy adjustment will not only have no impact on its business but also bring broader market space, helping it further expand its market share.
II. Strengthened Regulation on Modified Car Exports
Policy Background
Enterprises with automobile modification plant qualifications would make minor modifications to new cars, rebrand them under their own brands, and export them as new cars, which had a negative impact on automobile brands.
Policy Content
On November 14, 2025, the new used car export policies also introduced new requirements for modified car exports. The original text is as follows:
Strictly regulate the license application conditions for vehicles exported in the name of modified cars. Competent commercial departments in all regions shall guide modified car export enterprises to accurately fill in information such as the vehicle chassis brand, modified car brand, and vehicle model, and submit supporting documents for modification authenticity (Annex 2). Export licenses shall not be issued for products that cannot prove modification authenticity, for similar modified car products not included in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's "Catalogue of Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products," or for products lacking valid national mandatory product certification. Inspections shall be conducted on the export status of local modified car manufacturers and their modification production capacity matching export volumes, with relevant results promptly reported to the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the General Administration of Customs will closely monitor and timely share abnormal situations in all links of modified car exports, and intensify inspection and punishment efforts. Original Policy
Policy Interpretation
This policy does not completely ban the export of modified cars. It is expected that in 2026, some enterprises with legitimate qualifications and strong modification capabilities will continue to engage in modified car export business. However, importers need to focus on two major changes:
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Increased export costs: To meet compliance requirements, enterprises need to invest more resources in providing modification authenticity certificates, improving product certification, etc. These costs may be passed on to import prices.
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Expectation of stricter policies: Considering the current chaos in the modified car export market, subsequent policies may further strengthen regulation, including potential additional qualification reviews and higher technical standards.
It is recommended that when purchasing modified cars, importers must verify the exporting enterprise's compliance qualifications, modification production capacity, and product certification status. They should also closely monitor policy developments and adjust procurement plans in a timely manner to avoid losses caused by policy changes.
ZEEX AUTO has not participated in modified car export business before. This policy adjustment will have no impact on its existing business, and the company will continue to focus on the field of compliant used car exports.
III. Introduction of Vehicle Purchase Tax on Electric Vehicles
Policy Background
To foster the electric vehicle market, the Chinese government has exempted electric vehicles from vehicle purchase tax (the standard automobile purchase tax rate is 10%) since 2014. This tax exemption policy will expire on January 1, 2026.
Policy Content
Starting from January 1, 2026, a 5% vehicle purchase tax will be levied on the sale of new electric vehicles (including hybrid vehicles). This policy is expected to last for 2 years. (A full 10% vehicle purchase tax is expected to be imposed after 2027.)
For new energy vehicles purchased between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, the vehicle purchase tax shall be exempted, with the tax exemption per new energy passenger vehicle not exceeding 30,000 yuan. For new energy vehicles purchased between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, the vehicle purchase tax shall be halved, with the tax reduction per new energy passenger vehicle not exceeding 15,000 yuan. The purchase date shall be determined based on the issuance date of valid documents such as the unified invoice for motor vehicle sales or the special customs duty payment certificate. New energy vehicles eligible for the vehicle purchase tax reduction or exemption policy refer to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (including extended-range electric vehicles), and fuel cell vehicles that meet the technical requirements for new energy vehicle products. The technical requirements for new energy vehicle products shall be formulated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration in accordance with the progress of new energy vehicle technology, the development of the standard system, and changes in vehicle models. New energy passenger vehicles refer to new energy vehicles designed, manufactured, and technically characterized primarily for carrying passengers, their luggage, and/or temporary items, with a maximum of 9 seats including the driver's seat.
Policy Interpretation
This policy is expected to increase automobile procurement costs, which will be more prominently reflected in the used car market starting from the second half of 2026. However, due to the relatively low tax rate, it will not undermine China's automobile price advantage.
It is recommended to reasonably plan the procurement cycle, optimize the procurement rhythm during the policy transition period based on inventory levels and market demand, and strengthen communication with domestic new energy vehicle manufacturers to promptly grasp product price adjustment dynamics and accurately calculate procurement costs and profit margins.
Conclusion
The adjustments to China's automobile export-related policies in 2026 mainly focus on regulating market order and promoting high-quality industrial development. They not only define compliance boundaries for the industry but also create a more fair market environment for high-quality enterprises. With ten years of in-depth experience in China's automobile market, a strict commitment to compliant operation, and a business focus on genuine used car exports, ZEEX AUTO will smoothly adapt to policy changes and continue to provide efficient and reliable automobile procurement solutions for global importers.
In the future, policy changes will remain an important factor affecting the automobile export market. It is recommended that importers continuously pay attention to policy updates issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the General Administration of Customs, and other departments, maintain close communication with professional export partners, and adjust business strategies in a timely manner to achieve steady development amid policy guidance and market opportunities. For more policy details and market dynamics, feel free to contact ZEEX AUTO for professional support.
