China’s electric car industry is facing a turning point. Although many of its models can now compete with European brands in design and performance, their overall quality remains inconsistent — and the after-sales service is still the biggest weakness. To fix this, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced a major change: starting January 1, 2026, automakers will need to obtain a special export license to sell electric vehicles abroad.
Building a good car is no longer enough. To sustain international sales, manufacturers must also provide a solid service network. Unlike Japan or South Korea, China has long overlooked this crucial aspect. Complaints from owners of MG, one of the best-known Chinese brands in Europe, are growing louder. Many report waiting weeks, even months, for spare parts or repairs — especially for the MG4, a compact electric car that has become emblematic of these delays.
Until now, any Chinese company could export EVs, including small independent firms with no maintenance support abroad. The new licensing system will limit exports to officially approved manufacturers and their subsidiaries. The goal is to stop unregulated shipments of new or second-hand cars that reach foreign markets without a proper after-sales plan. While this measure will not solve all issues overnight, it should at least guarantee a minimum two-year legal warranty and better availability of replacement parts.
Many Chinese brands already offer extended warranties to reassure customers, but they still struggle to reduce long repair delays. And they are not alone — European drivers of Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën face similar frustrations, proving that the challenge of parts logistics is global.
Beyond service quality, Beijing’s reform also serves an economic purpose. China’s auto market has become overcrowded with hundreds of EV startups, many of which are financially unstable. By restricting export rights, the government hopes to protect its strongest players, like BYD, which is currently investing heavily in Europe. The company plans to open factories in Hungary and Turkey, signaling its ambition to dominate the continent’s EV landscape.
The export license system will also prevent unfair price competition from smaller, unapproved exporters whose low-quality vehicles damage the reputation of the entire Chinese industry. By forcing brands to meet stricter standards, China aims to rebuild trust and present itself not just as the world’s largest EV producer, but as one capable of delivering consistent quality and reliable service.
In short, China is drawing a line: to export cars, quantity is no longer enough — excellence is the new requirement.
