China Announces Stricter Used Vehicle Export Rules for 2026: What Global Buyers Must Know

On November 11, 2025, China officially released a major policy update: the “Notice on Further Strengthening the Management of Used Vehicle Exports” (Document No. 648 [2025]).
This new regulation directly impacts global importers, distributors, and companies planning to buy used cars from China or expand vehicle procurement in 2025–2026.

The updated policy aims to create a more transparent and compliant export environment while maintaining sustainable industry growth. Here is what international buyers need to know—and why 2025 remains the best time to secure inventory.

Stricter Controls for Newly Registered Vehicles (Effective January 1, 2026)

Beginning January 1, 2026, vehicles registered for less than 180 days will face tighter export restrictions. Exporters must provide:

• A manufacturer-issued After-Sales Service Confirmation Letter

• Verified export destination and vehicle details

• Local service network information with official company seal

Vehicles without complete documentation will not receive export licenses.
Units already transferred for export before the announcement may continue to be shipped normally.

These changes mean that sourcing nearly-new used vehicles from China will become more difficult starting in 2026, especially for fast-moving export markets in Africa, Latin America, CIS, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

More Accurate and Standardized License Applications

Export license applications must now contain accurate information that matches the official Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate, including:

• Vehicle brand and model

• Initial registration date

• Transfer-for-export date

If any information is incorrect or incomplete, the export license will be rejected.
Authorities will also monitor exporters closely and report repeated violations.

This ensures a more reliable supply chain for international buyers, but may also lead to longer processing times for non-compliant exporters.

Strengthened Credit Supervision for Exporters

China is introducing a stricter credit monitoring system for companies involved in used vehicle exports. Exporters that demonstrate:

• Repeated violations

• Inadequate after-sales support

• Insufficient spare-parts supply

• Dishonest business practices

may face official warnings, mandatory corrective actions, or even export qualification restrictions.

For global buyers, this means the market will transition toward more trustworthy and fully compliant exporters.

Higher Requirements for Modified Vehicle Exports

Modified vehicles—including trucks, vans, and special-purpose vehicles—will be subject to stricter authenticity and certification checks. Exporters must provide:

• Proof of genuine modification

• Accurate chassis and modification information

• Valid national certifications

• Compliance with MIIT’s official product catalogs

Vehicles that do not meet these requirements will not receive export approval.

This ensures higher quality and safety standards for buyers sourcing Chinese modified trucks and utility vehicles.

China Continues Supporting Sustainable Used Car Export Development

Despite tightening regulations, China emphasizes long-term global cooperation. Local authorities are encouraged to help exporters:

• Expand into diversified international markets

• Build overseas display and trading centers

• Improve after-sales service, spare parts support, and technical assistance

• Strengthen collaboration with logistics, finance, and warranty service providers

• Develop dedicated one-stop used-vehicle export hubs offering inspection, customs, logistics, and warehousing services

This means better service quality and a more professional export ecosystem in the coming years.

⭐ Youhu Auto Will Continue Exporting in 2026—With New Authorized Models

Despite the upcoming policy tightening, Youhu Auto remains fully compliant and will continue to export vehicles in 2026.
Even more importantly, the company has secured some export-authorized models for next year, ensuring stable and uninterrupted vehicle supply to global buyers.

This includes:

• Used vehicles

• Nearly-new domestic Chinese models

• EVs and hybrid vehicles

• SUVs, sedans, MPVs, and trucks

• Modified vehicles (where permitted by regulation)

With new authorizations already in place, Youhu Auto is well-positioned to support international clients throughout 2026 and beyond.

🔥 Why Buyers Should Increase Procurement in 2025

With the 2026 regulations approaching, many international buyers may experience:

• Reduced availability of nearly-new used cars

• Longer export approval processes

• Stricter documentation requirements

• Tighter supply from non-compliant exporters

This is why 2025 is the most cost-effective and stable procurement window.

If you prefer not to face next year’s waiting periods or stricter processes, we strongly recommend purchasing more units this year while export conditions remain flexible.

Benefits of buying in 2025:

• Faster export processing

• More available inventory

• Easier approval for newer vehicles

• Better pricing before global demand increases

• Stronger negotiation flexibility

Why Choose Youhu Auto for 2025–2026?

• Fully compliant with updated Chinese export policies

• New 2026 export-authorized models secured

• Direct access to major Chinese automakers

• Strong operating experience in Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Russia, and Asia

• Professional inspection, documentation, logistics, and after-sales support

• Reliable, transparent, and long-term partnerships

Youhu Auto is committed to providing high-quality vehicles and stable procurement solutions globally.

Conclusion: Act Now Before the 2026 Rules Take Effect

China’s new used-vehicle export regulations will create a more structured and high-quality export environment—but also introduce tighter requirements.

For importers, distributors, and international resellers, the smart strategy is:

✔ Secure inventory in 2025

✔ Avoid 2026 documentation delays

✔ Partner with a trusted exporter like Youhu Auto

If you require bulk procurement, logistics support, or model recommendations for your country, Youhu Auto is ready to assist.