Automotive Parts and Components Import Policy

Automotive parts and components import policy refers to the collective term for a series of statutory regulations and administrative measures established by the state to regulate and steer the cross-border trade of automotive components in terms of customs duty rates, declaration standards, mandatory certifications, and import licensing. This regulatory framework is designed to lower production costs for domestic manufacturers and safeguard supply chain security, while striking a balance between customs clearance efficiency and strict regulatory oversight to align with the global division of labour in the automotive industry and domestic high-quality development.

Customs Duty Rates and Structure

Import duties on automotive parts and components are generally lower than those on completely built-up (CBU) vehicles, with tariff rates on key components continuously being reduced in recent years via annual tariff adjustment schemes.

Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariffs serve as the benchmark rate applicable to the vast majority of automotive parts. Taking common motor vehicle components as an example, the MFN rate is set at 6%. Suspension systems (including shock absorbers) and their parts also carry a 6% duty rate. In contrast, the import duty on CBU vehicles stands at 15%, making the tariff level on components substantially lower than that on complete vehicles.

Provisional import duty rates are preferential rates reduced further from MFN rates to deliver targeted support for domestic industrial development. In 2025, China introduced provisional import duty rates across 935 tariff lines, encompassing key components such as automotive electronic throttle bodies, camshaft phasers, and electric braking systems for pure electric or hybrid vehicles. This initiative is aimed at cutting production costs for advanced domestic manufacturing while driving the growth of green, low-carbon sectors. Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), noted that with local auto parts gaining significant comparative advantages, easing import barriers will not disrupt domestic industries, but will instead foster healthy competition and sustainable sector growth.

In terms of Value-Added Tax (VAT), a standard rate of 13% is levied on imported automotive parts, calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value plus customs duty. The importation of auto parts does not attract consumption tax.

Declaration Specification Requirements

Declarations for imported automotive components must adhere to the "Catalogue of Standard Customs Declaration for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China". Declared information must include item description, application, vehicle fitment, brand, and part number. Among these, the part number is a mandatory core declaration element, referring to the complete physical part number formatted in accordance with the QC/T 265—2004 standard, and cannot be declared as "no part number". Vehicle fitment must specify the exact brand and model (e.g., "fits TOYOTA Crown"), rather than vague descriptions such as "for Japanese passenger cars".

In December 2021, the General Administration of Customs repealed Announcement No. 64 of 2006, mandating that customs declarations for relevant imported automotive parts be standardised under the "Catalogue of Standard Customs Declaration for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China", removing the distinction and differing declaration rules between "OEM/assembly parts" and "aftermarket/replacement parts". This reform streamlined the declaration workflow and unified compliance standards.

Mandatory Certification and Licensing Controls

Selected automotive parts imported into the country must comply with CCC (China Compulsory Certification) requirements, covering safety-critical components such as brake pads, seat belts, automotive lighting, and tyres. Importers must apply for certification through the State Administration for Market Regulation in advance or verify that the products qualify for exemptions; otherwise, customs clearance will be denied.

Regarding import licensing, the automatic import licensing regime for mechanical and electrical products extends to specific automotive parts. Importers are required to obtain an automatic import licence via the Ministry of Commerce portal by submitting relevant documents, including business registrations and purchase contracts. Customs declarations for automotive imports must also state specific operational details, such as whether brand dealership authorisation is involved or if the parts are intended for CBU vehicle assembly.

Environmental Compliance and Market Access Restrictions

Components subject to environmental standards such as emissions and noise limits (e.g., engines and exhaust systems) must strictly comply with relevant Chinese statutory standards; non-compliant shipments risk being rejected for entry or destroyed. China strictly prohibits the importation of used, scrap, or reconditioned auto parts (such as half-cuts, used engines, and reconditioned gearboxes), and importers must guarantee that all consignments are brand new.