China’s Second-Hand Car Export Rules: A Challenge for Global Markets?

On November 14, Chinese authorities announced a significant tightening of regulations concerning the export of used cars. Starting January 1, 2026, the export of vehicles registered for less than 180 days will only be possible with a special document – a ‘Post-Sale Service Confirmation’ stamped by the official manufacturer. Essentially, early export will require the direct consent of the car manufacturer.

The new measures aim to stop schemes where companies purchase vehicles intended for the Chinese domestic market, immediately cancel their registration, and send them abroad. Parallel exports have caused problems with servicing these vehicles outside the country and undermined the pricing policies of official suppliers.

Now, the actual control over the export of used cars returns to the manufacturers themselves. The business sector is already anticipating price hikes and longer delivery times: importers are eager to stock up before the new rules come into effect, since afterward they will have to wait six months to export a vehicle without special agreements.

As companies brace for these changes, several key movements have emerged. Major Chinese automakers like Geely and SAIC have reportedly expressed support for the regulations, aligning with state policies to stabilize the domestic market. Moreover, recent economic analyses indicate that the new rules could temper global second-hand car markets due to reduced supply from China.

Current trends in second-hand car prices within China hint at a potential rise as the regulations are implemented. Importers are likely to face higher procurement costs, adding pressure on global second-hand markets.

Expert analysts suggest these regulations might fortify China’s domestic car market by curbing the export of new models, potentially boosting local sales. However, the long-term effects include increased domestic competition, which might push innovation and quality improvements across Chinese brands.