Shanghai launches one-stop services for used car exports to meet demand

China opened its first in-port used car export inspection point in Shanghai on Wednesday to make the export process more efficient and cost-effective.

The new Shanghai Port Used Car Export Comprehensive Service Center will offer one-stop services for vehicle registration and port logistics to used car export enterprises in Shanghai and surrounding provinces.

"The establishment of the service center will significantly improve the capital turnover rate and time efficiency for used car export enterprises," Zhang Wen, general manager of Shanghai Leiyin Car Service Co., Ltd., told local media Shanghai Observer.

Zhang explained that in the past, used cars had to be transported to a vehicle management office within Shanghai for transfer procedures before being shipped to the port. The new center will streamline this process, reducing transportation costs and processing time.

China launched a pilot program for used car exports in 10 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Qingdao in 2019 and the program has seen rapid growth since it was expanded nationwide in March. China exported 275,000 used cars in 2023, generating $6.88 billion in revenue, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

As one of the first pilot cities for used car exports in China, Shanghai has seen a growing demand for used car exports.

The Shanghai municipal government has recently introduced a series of supportive measures aimed at optimizing the used car export process, further enhancing the city's international, law-based, and convenient business environment.