Are There Any Restrictions on Licensing Parallel-Imported Vehicles?

[MacCody]

Parallel-imported vehicles (parallel-import cars), also known as parallel-trade imported vehicles or simply parallel-trade cars, refer to automobiles purchased by traders from overseas markets and introduced into the Chinese market for sale without authorization from the brand manufacturers. Depending on the country of origin, they can be categorized into "U.S.-spec cars," "Middle East-spec cars," "Canada-spec cars," and "Europe-spec cars," distinguishing them from "China-spec cars" sold through authorized channels. As long as the parallel-imported vehicles obtain import certificates from customs and inspection and quarantine departments, they can theoretically be licensed just like regular imported vehicles. However, if the parallel-imported vehicles fail to comply with national standards, traffic authorities may impose restrictions during the licensing process. Public security traffic management departments must rely on import certificates issued by customs to process licensing procedures for parallel-imported vehicles.