To the competent departments of commerce, industry and information technology, and market regulation of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as relevant enterprises:
To promote the healthy and orderly international development of China’s automotive industry, guide automotive enterprises in regulating overseas competitive practices and strengthening compliance, deepen international cooperation across the automotive industrial and supply chains, and contribute to the development and advancement of the global automotive industry, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly formulated the Guidelines on Overseas Competition and Compliance in the Automotive Industry. The Guidelines are hereby issued for reference in relevant work.
Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
State Administration for Market Regulation
August 24, 2026
Guidelines on Overseas Competition and Compliance in the Automotive Industry
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1
These Guidelines are formulated to promote the healthy and orderly international development of China’s automotive industry, guide automotive enterprises in regulating overseas competitive practices and strengthening compliance, enhance their capabilities in multinational operations and international influence, and contribute to the development and advancement of the global automotive industry.
Article 2
Chinese automotive enterprises engaged in international production and business operations may refer to these Guidelines when conducting market competition and other production and business activities overseas.
Article 3
Automotive enterprises conducting overseas production and business operations shall adhere to the fundamental principles of lawful and compliant operations, fair competition, and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Enterprises shall strictly comply with China’s laws, regulations, and policies concerning outbound investment, foreign economic cooperation, foreign trade, and related matters, and actively follow the requirements set forth in the Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility in Overseas Operations, the Guidelines on Integrity and Compliance for Enterprises Operating Overseas, and the Guidelines on Overseas Antitrust Compliance for Enterprises, among others.
Chapter II Regulating Competition in Overseas Markets
Article 4
Enterprises may establish pricing strategies based on costs and guided by international market supply and demand. They shall manage the pricing compliance of components, complete vehicles, and other products in accordance with laws and regulations, and shall not disrupt market competition in pursuit of improper competitive advantages.
Article 5
When setting suggested retail prices for complete vehicles in overseas markets, enterprises shall comply with the laws and regulations, market principles, and commercial practices of the host country or region. Clear price tiers shall be established for different vehicle configurations, and frequent or substantial price fluctuations that may adversely affect overseas consumers or brand image should be avoided.
Article 6
Enterprises may reasonably determine price differences among countries and regions based on actual circumstances, taking into account factors such as local market conditions, tax structures, and logistics costs, so as to avoid disorder in sales and distribution.
Article 7
Enterprises shall respect, in accordance with laws and regulations, the independent pricing rights of dealers and agents in host countries or regions, while strengthening compliance oversight of such dealers and agents. When providing sales incentives to overseas dealers, agents, or other parties, enterprises shall establish clear and reasonable terms in compliance with applicable requirements and fully fulfill their contractual obligations.
Article 8
When selling goods or providing services overseas, enterprises shall display prices in a transparent and clear manner in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. They shall not impose arbitrary surcharges beyond the displayed prices or collect fees that have not been clearly disclosed.
Article 9
When conducting promotional activities overseas, including prize-based sales, free trials, discounts, price reductions, gifts, and automotive financing incentives, enterprises shall comply with applicable laws and regulations, respect local commercial practices and cultural customs, and properly fulfill contractual obligations.
Article 10
When conducting overseas brand exhibitions, marketing, and promotional activities, enterprises shall truthfully and fully disclose relevant information in accordance with the regulations of the host country or region. Enterprises shall refrain from false advertising and from deceiving or misleading consumers, and shall safeguard the image of Chinese automotive brands.
Chapter III Enhancing Localized Compliance Capabilities in Overseas Operations
Article 11
Enterprises shall conduct production and business activities in a manner suited to local conditions, taking into account China’s policy orientation on outbound investment and cooperation as well as the actual circumstances of the host country or region. Compliance shall be ensured throughout the entire process, including market research, negotiations, construction, production, pricing, procurement, and services. Enterprises shall strengthen assessments of products intended for overseas markets and avoid exporting products that do not meet the needs of target markets or local operating environments.
Article 12
Enterprises shall strengthen risk assessments concerning the political situation, macroeconomic conditions, social security, automotive industry, and other relevant aspects of host countries or regions. They shall improve emergency response plans for production safety incidents, regularly identify potential risks and hazards, and enhance overseas production safety management.
Article 13
Enterprises shall establish and improve quality management systems and after-sales service systems for automotive-related products in overseas markets, conduct market research and adaptive product development, improve service capabilities, and better meet the needs of overseas markets.
Article 14
Enterprises shall comply with the relevant labor laws and regulations of host countries or regions, recruit employees in accordance with the principles of equal opportunity and fair treatment, emphasize vocational skills training in areas such as automotive manufacturing, sales, and marketing, provide clear career development pathways, and improve mechanisms for protecting employees’ rights and interests.
Article 15
Enterprises shall take necessary measures to ensure compliance in data-processing activities related to connected vehicles and autonomous driving, including the collection, use, and protection of information and the cross-border transfer of data. Enterprises shall comply with laws and regulations concerning the processing of personal information and protect consumers’ personal privacy.
Article 16
Enterprises shall comply with the laws and regulations of China and host countries or regions concerning intellectual property protection, strengthen the overseas deployment and protection of proprietary intellectual property rights related to the automotive industry, and guard against infringement risks. Enterprises shall regulate the use of intellectual property in areas such as industrial design, component manufacturing, and communications technologies, and properly address intellectual property disputes.
Article 17
Enterprises shall strengthen antitrust compliance in overseas operations and effectively identify, assess, and manage various antitrust legal risks while operating with integrity, complying with the law, and engaging in fair competition.
Article 18
In accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, climate-related laws and regulations of host countries or regions, and emissions-reduction targets for the automotive industry, enterprises shall promote the green and low-carbon transformation of supply chains and actively fulfill their environmental responsibilities.
Chapter IV Supplementary Provisions
Article 19
These Guidelines provide general guidance for automotive enterprises regarding overseas competitive practices and compliance and are intended for reference. In their specific operations, enterprises shall closely follow the latest laws, regulations, and policy requirements of China, host countries or regions, and relevant international organizations, and adjust and improve their practices based on actual circumstances.
Article 20
The Ministry of Commerce, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration for Market Regulation, shall be responsible for the interpretation of these Guidelines.
Source: Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China
