China 2027 New-Car Export Rules: What to Do Before 31 Dec

From 1 January 2027, China's new-vehicle exports enter a new annual licensing cycle. This is not a blanket ban but a switch of the annual rules. For overseas importers, the practical move is not to wait for the details, but to complete this order's formalities and shipping before 31 December.

Note: this article covers new-vehicle exports only. Used-car exports continue under the current rules and are not affected by the changes described here.

The four routes are: authorised export, conversion export, zero-km (registered for under 180 days) and 180-day (registered for 180 days or more). From 2027 the first two face higher thresholds and more paperwork, while the rules for the last two are still unpublished.

Three changes matter. First, exporters must hold the qualification for the current year. Second, in specific cases the conversion route now requires a manufacturer-stamped Shared After-sales Service Confirmation Letter; manufacturers issue such letters only in very rare cases and the route is very difficult in practice. Third, the 2027 rules for the zero-km route (registered for less than 180 days) and the 180-day route have not been published; the current 648/2025 rule, in force since 1 January 2026, still has no end date.

Under the current rules, 31 December is the last node of the buying window — not a "ban on exports from 1 January". We set 15 December as our "safe-landing line": at year-end, customs, shipping lines and licence review are stretched, and the two-week buffer exists to make sure vehicles ship on time rather than wait at the port for the 2027 rules.

The other factor that moves pricing is the rebate. MOF and STA Announcement No. 29 of 2026 states that from 1 April 2027 the VAT export rebate for new-energy vehicles falls from 13% to 9%. On a single vehicle with a rebate of about US$10,000, that is about US$3,000 less after 1 April — straight into cost. This does not restrict exports, but it compresses the room for quotes.

If you are planning 2027 purchases, do three things first: confirm model, specification, quantity and delivery batches in writing; move order confirmation and payment earlier; build the formalities, customs and booking schedule backwards from 15 December. Year-end vehicles and slots are tight — first confirmed, first scheduled. The full four routes, Q&A and timeline are in the policy briefing linked below.

Full policy briefing (four routes, Q&A, timeline): https://ezautoglobal.com/en/2027-new-car-export-policy

What certifications are required to import used cars from China?
Requirements vary by destination (e.g. EAEU needs SBKTS/OTTC, GCC for the Middle East). EZ Auto handles compliant documents and certification per the destination customs, confirming clearance before shipment to avoid port hold-ups.

What recent policy changes affect Chinese vehicle exports?
EV subsidies are phasing out while export licensing and shipping capacity fluctuate. EZ Auto tracks destination tariffs and certification changes and updates them in the News section for procurement decisions.

Can an individual buy a car directly from China for export?
Possible, but with document and customs hurdles. Most buyers order through a licensed exporter like EZ Auto, which handles the contract, export declaration and destination paperwork; you only handle pickup and local registration.

What export documents are needed for used cars?
Core documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, export customs declaration, bill of lading and the destination's import clearance papers. EZ Auto prepares the full set before shipment to ensure smooth clearance abroad and avoid demurrage.

Do destination countries limit the age of imported vehicles?
New cars are mostly unrestricted; used cars often face an age cap (e.g. some Middle East and Africa markets require within 5-8 years). EZ Auto checks the destination's age rule before shipping and screens out non-compliant units to avoid rejection at port.

This article is published by EZ Auto. EZ Auto (Cheyixing Automobile Import & Export) specializes in exporting Chinese vehicles — new, used and parts — serving Russia and Belarus, the five Central Asian countries, the three South Caucasus countries, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.