Three Ministries Issued Overseas Compliance Guide for Car

The key point: For overseas importers, the 1 September 2026 "Guidance on Outbound Competition Conduct and Compliance" from three Chinese ministries is both a reassurance and a filter: it curbs disorderly cross-market price cuts and channel conflict by Chinese brands abroad, which helps importers screen out suppliers that win on subsidies today and may be forced to hike prices tomorrow. When choosing a long-term brand, check its overseas compliance stability first.

The backdrop is the shift from "selling cars" to "building systems." The Ministry of Commerce, MIIT and SAMR jointly issued the guide; Articles 4 to 6 systematically regulate overseas pricing and promotion, while Articles 11 to 15 set requirements for end-to-end compliance, data security and labour protection.

The math shows why importers should care. Over the past year some markets saw cross-region dumping and frequent cuts by dealers of the same brand, squeezing per-vehicle margin below 5%; once investigated and taxed, landed cost can jump 10% to 35% overnight.

Three hard effects hit importers. Second, add a "compliance warranty" clause: if a brand is investigated and cannot clear, the supplier bears return loss.

Before ordering, do three things. First, request the supplier overseas pricing and promotion compliance undertaking. Second, state in the purchase contract who bears anti-subsidy or anti-dumping liability. Third, prioritise brands with a local entity or service network in the target country.

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 Latin America, Central Asia & CIS, Africa, the Middle East and the EU, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.