How to Identify Qualified Chinese Automobile Exporters

Identifying Chinese Automobile Exporters’ Qualified Export Enterprises is crucial for international trade. This article outlines the legal framework for export qualification, eligibility criteria for manufacturers, and the graded system for authorized exporters. Understanding these requirements aids in distinguishing eligible companies and promoting the smooth export of automobiles and motorcycles from China.

1.    Legal Framework for Automobile Export Qualification

The qualification of Chinese automobile exporters is governed by the regulations outlined in the ” Notice issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the General Administration of Customs, and the National Certification and Accreditation Administration of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on Further Regulating the Export Order of Automobile and Motorcycle Products.”( 商务部、工业和信息化部、海关总署、质检总局国家认监委颁布的关于进一步规范汽车和摩托车产品出口秩序的通知)

This qualification refers to enterprises that meet the conditions necessary to apply for an export license for automobiles and motorcycles.

2.    Understanding Car Export Qualification

Not every Chinese company is eligible to export cars. Only companies that have received qualifications from the Chinese government are permitted to engage in car exports.

The Chinese government manages export qualifications for automobile and motorcycle manufacturers, as well as authorized operation management for export traders.

Manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles that meet the statutory conditions can apply to the Chinese government for export qualifications. The government will then categorize these manufacturers based on their production conditions and ability to provide after-sales services.

Manufacturers of different grades are allowed to export a specific number of cars and motorcycles and may also authorize a designated number of traders to export on their behalf.

3.    Manufacturers Eligible for Export Qualification

Chinese automobile and motorcycle manufacturers must meet the following conditions to obtain export qualifications

(1) Their products must have obtained China National Compulsory Product Certification.

(2) Manufacturers of low-speed vehicles must be included in the Announcement of Vehicle Manufacturers and Products issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China.

(3) Manufacturers of off-highway two-wheeled motorcycles must have obtained ISO9000 enterprise quality management system certification and relevant international certification promoted by the Chinese state.

(4) All-terrain vehicle manufacturers must have obtained the ISO9000 enterprise quality management system certification and relevant international certification.

(5) Manufacturers must have maintenance and service capabilities that align with the export inventory of their products.

4.    Grades of Manufacturers

Manufacturers that have obtained export qualifications are categorized into five grades:

Grade 1

They can authorize 7 traders to export their products, have 50 overseas after-sales maintenance service outlets, and export 10,000 passenger cars, trucks, and low-speed vehicles annually. For large and medium-sized passenger car manufacturers, the annual export reaches 2,000.

Grade 2

They can authorize 5 traders to export their products, have 10 overseas after-sales maintenance service outlets, and export 2,000 passenger cars annually. For manufacturers of large and medium-sized buses, the annual export volume is 1,000, and for trucks and low-speed vehicles, it’s 5,000.

Grade 3

They can authorize 3 traders to export their products, have 5 overseas after-sales maintenance service outlets, and export 500 passenger cars annually. For manufacturers of large and medium-sized buses, the annual export is 200, and for trucks and low-speed vehicles, it’s 1,000.

Grade 4

They can authorize 1 trader to export their products, have established overseas after-sales maintenance service outlets, but do not meet the requirements of Grades 1, 2, and 3.

Grade 5

Automobile manufacturers without overseas after-sales maintenance service outlets can only export automobiles themselves and are not permitted to authorize traders for exports.

The Ministry of Commerce of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the General Administration of Customs, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine, and the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China jointly publish the list of enterprises that have obtained this qualification every October.