In 2026, China further optimized its automobile scrappage policy based on the revised “Regulations on the Mandatory Scrappage Standards for Motor Vehicles” and the “Notice on Implementing Large-Scale Equipment Renewal and Consumer Goods Trade-In Policies in 2026”, aiming to promote the modernization of the automotive fleet, reduce environmental pollution, and protect road traffic safety. The policy is characterized by relaxed restrictions, clear standards, and targeted incentives, covering all types of motor vehicles and forming a comprehensive management system from scrappage standards to subsidy support.
1. Core Scrappage Standards (Classified by Vehicle Type)
The 2026 policy clearly distinguishes scrappage standards between operational and non-operational vehicles, with no fixed mandatory scrappage period for private cars, which is a major optimization compared with previous policies.
- Non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles (private cars, SUVs): The fixed-year mandatory scrappage system is completely abolished. There is no upper limit on the service life, and the only guiding scrappage indicator is the accumulated mileage—when the accumulated mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the government will guide scrappage, but it is not mandatory. Vehicle owners can still choose to continue using the vehicle, but the annual inspection will be more stringent thereafter. Mandatory scrappage will only be implemented if the vehicle fails the annual inspection consecutively, has unqualified exhaust emissions that cannot be rectified, has major safety hazards that cannot be repaired, or has illegal modifications that cannot be corrected.
- Operational vehicles: Strict fixed-year scrappage standards are still retained. Taxis are mandatorily scrapped after 8 years of use, online-hailing vehicles after 10 years, and other small and micro operational passenger vehicles after 10 years. Large and medium-sized operational passenger vehicles are mandatorily scrapped after 15 years. For operational cargo vehicles, dangerous goods transport vehicles are scrapped after 10 years, other cargo vehicles (including semi-trailers and full trailers) after 15 years, and micro cargo vehicles after 12 years.
- Other vehicle types: Large and medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles (excluding large sedans) have a 20-year service life limit; special operation vehicles with cargo-carrying functions are scrapped after 15 years, and those without after 30 years; three-wheeled motorcycles after 12 years, and other motorcycles after 13 years.
2. Optimized Annual Inspection Rules (Key for Old Vehicles)
To reduce the burden on owners of old vehicles, the 2026 policy has optimized the annual inspection cycle and standards for non-operational private cars:
- Vehicles within 6 years of registration: Exempt from on-line annual inspection, only need to apply for the inspection-exempt mark online every 2 years.
- Vehicles aged 6-10 years: On-line annual inspection is required only twice, in the 8th and 10th years.
- Vehicles over 10 years old: On-line annual inspection is required once a year. The previous strict rule of semi-annual inspection for vehicles over 15 years old has been abolished, greatly reducing the frequency of annual inspection for old vehicle owners.
- Inspection items: Focus on five core aspects—safety performance (braking, tires, lights, steering, etc.), exhaust emission, vehicle appearance, OBD on-board computer system, and chassis and oil circuit. The policy has relaxed the emission tolerance for old vehicles. As long as the vehicle is properly maintained, slight fluctuations in emission indicators can pass the inspection.
3. Scrappage Subsidy Policies (2026 Latest)
To encourage the standardized scrappage of old vehicles and promote the renewal of the automotive fleet, China has introduced targeted subsidy policies in 2026, covering both individual consumers and operational vehicle owners:
Subsidy application: Vehicle owners need to complete the scrappage procedures through formal scrappage and recycling enterprises, obtain the scrappage certificate, and then apply for the subsidy through the designated online or offline channels, with a streamlined application and review process.
Individual consumers: If an individual scraps a passenger vehicle registered in their own name and purchases a new energy passenger vehicle included in the “Catalogue of New Energy Vehicle Models Eligible for Vehicle Purchase Tax Reduction and Exemption”, a subsidy of 12% of the vehicle price (up to 20,000 yuan) will be given. If purchasing a fuel passenger vehicle with a displacement of 2.0 liters or less, a subsidy of 10% of the vehicle price (up to 15,000 yuan) will be provided.
Operational vehicle owners: The policy continues to support the scrappage and renewal of old operational trucks that meet the National IV and below emission standards, and gives priority to supporting renewal to electric trucks. The subsidy standards are implemented in accordance with the “Notice on Implementing the Scrappage and Renewal of Old Operational Trucks”.
