Main points
- Chinese authorities have begun blocking unofficial schemes for supplying new cars to Russia, detaining a batch of 500 Nissan, Mazda, and Zeekr cars.
- From 2026, only used cars will be allowed to be imported into Russia, and new ones must remain in China for at least 180 days after purchase, which complicates exports.
New cars will not enter Russia / Depositphotos
The Chinese authorities have begun actively blocking unofficial schemes for supplying cars to Russia. This is because, starting January 1, 2026, only used cars can be imported, not new ones.
Which cars will not be allowed in Russia?
Recently, a batch of 500 new Nissan, Mazda, and Zeekr cars destined for Russian buyers was detained at customs in Suifenhe, writes Mash.
The reason for the detention was the ban on exporting new cars disguised as used cars. These cars were purchased less than 180 days ago, which makes it impossible to export them as used cars.
According to forecasts, buyers will not be able to receive the cars before the summer, as they will remain in the parking lot for at least six months . This decision is due to the intensified struggle of the Chinese authorities against the export of new cars, which were previously exported abroad as used cars.
In China, cars are sold cheaper thanks to government subsidy programs, so Russian buyers registered them under fictitious owners – Chinese citizens – and exported them as used.
Why aren't new cars being imported to Russia?
From January 1, 2026, a new car must remain in China for at least 180 days after purchase. Despite this, sellers and Russian importers continue to promise customers deliveries “bypassing the rules,” citing agreements with factories and subsidies for specific brands, without warning buyers of possible delays.
The new rules are expected to effectively halt independent car exports from China to Russia . According to Avtostat, 210,000 cars under three years old were imported last year, about a third of which were imported by individuals.
At the beginning of the year, their share was 12%, and by October it had reached 50%. The Ministry of Industry and Trade previously indicated that such schemes allow for savings on taxes and fees.
Chinese car showrooms are closing en masse in Russia
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In Russia, 643 Chinese car showrooms closed in a year, which is 40% more than in 2024.
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The Russian Automobile Dealers Association attributed the reduction in the number of Chinese car dealerships in Russia to the “too rapid” growth of recent years, when Chinese brands began to actively enter the Russian market after the departure of global brands.
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Reasons for the closure also include Russian austerity, tighter business conditions, and reduced purchasing activity.