According to the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM), document No. 2025 648, dated November 11, introduces updated regulations for vehicle export. Vehicles registered in China for less than six months lose the opportunity to obtain an export permit. To obtain a license, the seller must provide a special certificate — After-sales Maintenance Service Confirmation Letter, which specifies the recipient country, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and authorized service points. If this confirmation is not available, the license will not be granted.

Consequently, fresh cars without an official importer effectively lose the chance to enter foreign markets. Only vehicles that have been in the registry for more than 180 days and are formally considered used will be able to be exported. It was in this way that the lion's share of Chinese brands — BYD, ZEEKR, local Honda, Volkswagen, etc. — came to Ukraine. Currently, official distributors in Ukraine exist for MG, Maxus, Geely, Chery, Changan, Haval, JAC, as well as for some importers of ZEEKR and AVATR.

At the same time, in Ukraine, from January 1, 2026, the 20% VAT rate on the import of electric vehicles will be reinstated. The preferential regime had been in effect since 2018 and significantly accelerated the development of the electric car market, greatly increasing their number in the country. After the abolition of the benefit, the cost of each electric vehicle will increase by at least a fifth, and a share of buyers will shift to used cars.

For Ukrainians, this means that buying a new Chinese electric car, hybrid, or gasoline model without an official dealer will become practically inaccessible or noticeably more expensive. The car will have to be "held" in China for at least 180 days so that it formally moves into the used category and can obtain an export permit. At the same time, used cars will also become more expensive, as demand for them will inevitably grow.

Experts do not yet expect a serious shortage of Chinese models at the start of 2026 — importers are already building up stocks of several thousand vehicles in advance. However, over time, the assortment will narrow, and prices for new electric vehicles will rise by at least 20%.