2027 Application Window Now Open

China's Ministry of Commerce has opened the online application process for 2027 automobile and motorcycle export licences. Production enterprises must submit their applications and supporting documents through the ministry's unified business platform to local commerce authorities. Local authorities are required to complete their initial review and submit the materials to the ministry by October 28, 2026.

More Detailed Overseas After-Sales Evidence

Applicants must provide evidence for their overseas repair and service networks. Required documents include cooperation agreements or explanations for self-operated outlets, local business or repair qualifications, and information demonstrating service capabilities. Supporting evidence may include outlet photographs, equipment inventories, technician qualifications or training records, and spare-parts logistics records. The number of outlets depends on the production-enterprise classification; a Category I automobile producer, for example, must provide information for at least 50 outlets.

Additional Documents for Modified Vehicles

Modified-vehicle producers must identify themselves correctly in the application system and submit evidence of previous-year exports and production activity. The required materials include vehicle production records, chassis and special-equipment purchase agreements and invoices, export customs declarations, detailed descriptions and photographs of each modification, relevant product-announcement pages, compulsory certification information, and proof of the export vehicle brand.

OEM Confirmation for Certain Simple Conversions

A notable addition applies to simple conversions such as tool vehicles, patrol vehicles and driver-training vehicles when they are used to apply for passenger-vehicle export qualification. These applicants must submit a Shared After-Sales Service Confirmation issued and stamped by the original vehicle manufacturer. The manufacturer must commit to providing maintenance technology and spare-parts support and to assisting with overseas quality and service issues.

Pricing and Overseas Compliance Commitments

Applicants must also provide an overseas compliance undertaking. It requires companies to manage prices lawfully, avoid disrupting market order for improper competitive advantage, and report vehicle prices accurately when applying for export licences. False materials may result in warnings, suspension or cancellation of export qualifications

Higher Compliance Threshold, Not an Export Ban

The notice does not impose a blanket ban on modified-vehicle exports. Instead, it raises the documentation, traceability and after-sales support threshold for companies seeking 2027 export qualifications. Enterprises that miss the annual application deadline or fail to correct or supplement materials during the public-review period will no longer have their applications accepted.

Sources

Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China — Notice on 2027 Automobile and Motorcycle Export Licence Applications: https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zcfb/zc/art/2026/art_c7ac10d2deaa489dbf6346461785c65c.html

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Export-licensing requirements may change; verify the latest official guidance before submitting an application.