With the maturity and expansion of the Chinese used - car market, the used - car export business has increasingly attracted the attention of enterprises. On February 5, 2024, Chinas Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Transport, and General Administration of Customs jointly issued Announcement No. 6 of 2024, regulating matters related to used - car exports. This announcement officially came into effect on March 1, 2024. This article aims to interpret this announcement and provide enterprises with relevant requirements and procedures for used - car exports.

I. Used - Car Export Eligibility

First, according to the Foreign Trade Law of the Peoples Republic of China and the Catalogue of Goods Subject to Export License Administration (2024), used cars are listed as goods subject to national restricted exports. This means that enterprises wishing to engage in the used car export business must apply for an export license.foreign tradeUsed car export enterprises are divided into two types: manufacturing enterprises and circulation enterprises. Manufacturing enterprises should be registered within the territory of China, have independent legal person status, and be listed in the Announcement of Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Enterprises and Products. The exported products should be produced by the enterprise itself. Circulation enterprises also need to be registered within the territory of China, have independent legal person status, have a fixed business place and experience in automobile sales. At the same time, the enterprise should also have the ability to appraise and evaluate used cars and employ at least 3 professionals. Both types of enterprises must operate legally and comply with relevant laws and regulations regarding work safety, environmental protection, taxation, customs, and foreign exchange management.

II. Qualifications of Used - Car Export Enterprises

Enterprises should submit the declaration materials for the used car export business through the Unified Platform of Business Systems of the Ministry of Commerce. After being reviewed by the provincial-level commercial department in the place where they are located, they can conduct the used car export business. The materials to be submitted include the basic situation of the enterprise, business operation situation, future development plan, business license of the legal person, enterprise commitment letter, etc.

III. Declaration Process

Applying for a used car export license is a necessary step before export. Enterprises need to apply for an export license on the Unified Platform of Business Systems of the Ministry of Commerce after the transfer registration of the motor vehicle. The application materials include the export license application form, export contract, motor vehicle registration certificate, product inspection report, etc.

IV. Application for Export License

Not all used cars meet the export conditions. Used cars prohibited from export include vehicles that have reached the mandatory retirement standard, vehicles under mortgage or pledge, vehicles under legal seizure or attachment, vehicles obtained through illegal means, etc. In addition, vehicles with unqualified test results, vehicles with outstanding traffic safety violations and unresolved traffic accidents shall not be exported.

V. Conditions for Used Car Exports

Used car exports are not subject to export tariffs. Regarding tax rebates, only when purchased through an enterprise or individual industrial and commercial household and a special VAT invoice is obtained can an enterprise declare and handle tax rebates. For used cars directly purchased from individuals, since only a general VAT invoice can be obtained, tax rebate processing cannot be carried out.

VI. Tax Treatment

Used cars fall under Chapter 87 of Section XVII of the Tariff Schedule. Before export, enterprises should refer to the Used Car Product Catalogue to determine the correct tax number. At the same time, exported vehicles need to meet the access standards of the target market, and enterprises should provide the corresponding market access statement.

VII. Tax Numbers and Target Market Access

The release of this announcement marks that Chinas used car export business has entered a new stage of standardization, providing clear guidance and norms for enterprises. Before preparing to export used cars, enterprises must carefully understand and abide by relevant regulations and procedures to ensure legal and compliant international trade. By making rational use of these new regulations, Chinas used car export enterprises can not only expand overseas markets but also further enhance the international image of Chinas used car market.

Announcement of the Ministry of Commerce and Other 5 Departments on Matters Concerning Used Car Exports

Original announcement:How Should Export Enterprises Respond to EU Anti - Dumping Measures?