China tightens used car export rules, raising barriers for zero-kilometre vehicles in foreign markets

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated on Wednesday that it will enhance regulatory guidance for used vehicle exports, as part of efforts to support the sector’s national expansion and maintain orderly development.

As reported by CCTV News, at a regular press conference, MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong stated that the ministry will continue to work with relevant departments following the February 2024 decision—jointly issued with four other agencies—to expand used car export operations nationwide. This marked the end of a pilot program launched in 2019.

He noted that the used vehicle trade is a standard international practice, and that automobiles, as durable consumer goods, play a crucial role in both global and domestic markets. According to official data, China exported 275,000 used vehicles in 2023, with a total export value of approximately 6.88 billion USD (around 492.8 billion yuan). In 2024, China exported over 436,000 “used cars” overseas, an increase of 58.5% in a year. 

National standards and technical requirements

Under the expanded export framework, vehicles must comply with national quality standards: WM/T 8-2022 for used passenger cars and WM/T 9-2022 for used commercial vehicles and trailers. Each vehicle requires an inspection by a certified third-party agency, and exporters must submit the resulting inspection reports.

Exporters must also comply with import regulations in destination countries, including the issuance of declarations of conformity where required. Regulators are encouraging the use of China’s “Automotive Maintenance Electronic Health Record System” to verify vehicle service histories.

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These measures are intended to standardise export practices and ensure vehicles meet both domestic and international technical expectations.

Context: transparency and market challenges

The new oversight measures come as regulators and industry stakeholders examine transparency challenges in the domestic used car market, particularly the growing number of “zero-kilometre used cars”—vehicles registered as sold but with little or no mileage, as we reported earlier in June.

This classification enables vehicles to be resold as used, often at a discount, while technically avoiding new car inventory statistics. Analysts link this practice to persistent overcapacity and high inventory levels. As of April 2025, China’s national passenger car inventory stood at 3.5 million units, with some automakers operating at less than 50% production capacity.

The issue has drawn attention from both regulators and manufacturers. In May, MOFCOM held a meeting with automakers and used vehicle platforms to discuss improvements in transaction oversight and potential frameworks to prevent data distortion.

Some industry observers have noted that expanding regulated used vehicle exports may provide an outlet for excess inventory, though enforcement and compliance remain key factors.

By requiring technical inspections and encouraging verification of service records, the export policy may also contribute to broader efforts aimed at increasing transparency and restoring trust in vehicle resale practices.