This happened due to innovations in Chinese legislation related to the ban on the export of new cars under the guise of used ones. The Chinese authorities have begun to fight the export of cars abroad, for which local citizens receive subsidies.
According to Mash, a batch of 500 new Nissan, Mazda and Zeekr cars was detained by customs in Suifenhe. These vehicles were purchased new less than 180 days ago. It is expected that they will be able to undergo the necessary procedures and leave China no earlier than the summer.
“Cars in China are sold cheaper due to subsidies – so the Russians took the car, looked for a Chinese fictitious owner and drove it as a used one. From January 1, 2026, a new car must be kept in the country for 180 days after purchase – only then it is considered used and can be exported,” says Mash.
According to him, despite supply problems, sellers of new cars in China and Russian companies involved in private imports promise customers the delivery of cars without delays, bypassing the new rules, citing agreements with factories and the fact that subsidies are allocated by the Chinese government to individual brands.
