New Regulations for Chinese Vehicle Exports in 2026

With the rapid expansion of the global new energy vehicle market, China's new energy vehicle industry has gained consumer recognition through technological advancements and environmental benefits. Currently, China stands as the world's largest market for new energy vehicles.

However, this rapid growth has also been accompanied by industry irregularities. To address this, China will implement new export control measures for automobiles starting January 1, 2026.

This initiative will raise the bar for vehicle exports, address deficiencies in after-sales service systems, and compel companies to comply with export regulations while enhancing their overseas operational capabilities. These measures aim to further elevate the image of Chinese automotive brands in international markets.

The year 2026 may mark a new era for China's vehicle exports.

So, how should Chinese automakers navigate exports under the new 2026 regulations?

I. New Regulations for Vehicle Exports

Effective January 1, 2026, China will implement new requirements regarding the age of exported vehicles and export license procedures. Countermeasures are as follows:

1. Exported vehicles must have been registered for at least 180 days (including 180 days).

● If vehicle purchase has already been completed, it is recommended to finalize the “Vehicle Export Pending Transfer” procedures before December 31, 2025. This ensures that even if the vehicle registration falls short of 180 days, an export license can still be applied for and processed upon submission of complete documentation.

· If the vehicle has not yet been purchased, it is recommended to directly acquire a vehicle with a registration period exceeding 180 days.

· For urgent export needs, select a vehicle similar to your preferred model based on budget and performance requirements, ensuring it meets the 180-day registration threshold.

● Purchase vehicles directly from dealers authorized by manufacturers with OEM qualifications. Even if the vehicle registration is less than 180 days (including 180 days), you can apply for export by submitting an OEM-issued “After-Sales Service Confirmation Letter” with an official seal when applying for the export license. The OEM must be listed in the “Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Announcement of Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.”

2. Export Permit Processing

For vehicles that have completed the “Transfer Registration for Export” process but cannot be exported by December 31, 2025, export permits may still be processed after the new policy takes effect in 2026. These vehicles will not be affected by the new regulations and will not require additional submission of the “After-Sales Service Confirmation Letter.”

· Vehicles that completed the “Transfer Registration for Export” process and applied for an export license before December 31, 2025, must promptly complete export declaration and finalize export within 60 days of obtaining the export license. Failure to declare by December 31, 2025, will invalidate the export license, requiring a new 2026 export license application under the new regulations to proceed with vehicle export.

· For vehicles undergoing “Transfer Registration for Export” procedures starting January 1, 2026, those with a “registration date of less than 180 days (including 180 days)” must submit the “After-Sales Service Confirmation Form” when applying for an export license.

Starting December 15, 2025, enterprises may apply in advance for 2026 export licenses, but the certificates will take effect “on or after January 1, 2026.” Meanwhile, the 2026 Import/Export License Management Goods Catalog has not yet been published. Licenses applied for in advance will be issued based on the current management goods catalog. Once the official 2026 catalog is released, enterprises must reapply for licenses if commodity codes are adjusted.

II. New Regulations for Shipping Batteries

According to International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, effective January 1, 2026, the existing UN 3171 classification for new energy vehicle batteries will be invalidated. Different classifications will apply based on battery type, as detailed below:

1. Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles shall use UN 3556

2.Lithium metal battery-powered vehicles shall use UN 35572

3. Sodium-ion battery-powered vehicles: Use UN 3558

For those who have already shipped vehicles overseas, note the port arrival timing. If your vehicle arrives after the 2026 regulations take effect and you used the old code, you may encounter clearance issues.

To avoid clearance delays for year-end vehicle shipments, follow these three recommendations:

1. Prepare new regulation documentation in advance. If your vehicle is scheduled to arrive after the new rules take effect, prepare documents according to the new requirements.

2. Confirm with your freight forwarder or shipping line when they will begin booking shipments using the new UN numbering system. Currently, customs systems already support export declarations using the new numbers.

3. Update technical documentation to ensure consistency across all certificates. Engage a qualified certification body to update your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Transport Certification, and UN 38.3 documentation to ensure compliance with the new UN numbering system.

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