China is tightening its vehicle export regulations further, a move that could complicate parallel imports to Russia. Starting in 2027, manufacturers exporting new cars will be required to demonstrate that they have an overseas service network capable of handling repairs and supplying spare parts, according to the newspaper Kommersant.
Some restrictions are already in place: as of 2026, a car may be exported from China without the manufacturer’s permission only after it has been registered in the country for 180 days. After that period, even a vehicle with zero mileage is classified as used. Russian importers are already running into restrictions on brands such as Xiaomi, BYD, BMW, and Mercedes, though market players are finding workarounds for certain models.
The new requirements are likely to hit global brands hardest – those that have officially withdrawn from the Russian market but continue to be supplied via China. Market participants also expect price increases: vehicles priced at RUR 8–12 mln ($95,000 to $140,000) could see hikes of around 4–5%, while cheaper models could rise by as much as 7–8%.