Strategy and concept

China has defined vehicle remanufacturing as a strategic sector

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

China has adopted the circular economy as a national priority, since the late 2000s. The concept of the circular economy focuses on minimizing waste generation, promoting resource efficiency, and encouraging the reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing of products and materials. China recognized the importance of vehicle remanufacturing as a strategic sector within the circular economy agenda. Vehicle remanufacturing involves the process of restoring used vehicles to their original condition or even improving their performance through the use of advanced technologies and techniques. Remanufacturing also minimizes the need for raw material extraction, leading to reduced environmental degradation, and offers economic advantages by creating new business opportunities and employment. It decreases energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution associated with the production of new vehicles and parts. The growth of the remanufacturing industry in China has resulted in the establishment of numerous remanufacturing enterprises, providing jobs and contributing to economic development.

Remanufactured vehicles and components also offer cost savings for consumers compared to purchasing new ones. This approach helps to extend the lifespan of vehicles and reduces the demand for new vehicle production, thereby conserving resources and reducing environmental impacts associated with manufacturing. By emphasizing vehicle remanufacturing as a strategic sector, China aims to enhance resource efficiency, promote sustainable consumption and production, and reduce waste and pollution within the automotive industry. To attract investment and stimulate growth in the remanufacturing industry, China implemented various financial incentives, policies, and initiatives to support the development of the remanufacturing industry, establishing standards and regulations, and fostering research, development, and upgrading in remanufacturing technologies, supporting infrastructure growth related to vehicle remanufacturing.


Jin Zhuanglong, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued guidelines and standards for the remanufacturing of different types of vehicles. These standards cover areas such as inspection and testing, quality control, component reuse, and environmental protection. In 2005, the State Council issued the "Circular Economy Promotion Law," which provided a legal framework for promoting circular economy practices, including remanufacturing. 

Subsequently, several policy documents and plans were released, such as the "Opinions on Promoting the Development of the Remanufacturing Industry" in 2009 and the "Guidance Catalogue for Industrial Structure Adjustment" in 2011, which specifically identified vehicle remanufacturing as a priority sector. China's focus on vehicle remanufacturing is part of its broader efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.

International Cooperation

In the area of remanufacturing, China actively sought out international cooperation and information exchange. The government worked with international organizations and took part in international initiatives on remanufacturing and the circular economy. These partnerships made sharing knowledge, best practices, and technological know-how in the remanufacturing industry easier. China actively participates in international remanufacturing cooperation to promote information sharing, technological progress, and market expansion.

China works with UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) to encourage remanufacturing as part of sustainable industrial development. China has received assistance from UNIDO in terms of technology transfer, policy development, and capacity building linked to remanufacturing. The partnership is centered on exchanging best practices, organizing international forums and conferences, and encouraging cooperation between various nations.

China also actively participates in the IEC's standardization efforts, which involve creating global norms for remanufacturing procedures, techniques, and technologies. China's involvement in these standardization initiatives helps to harmonize remanufacturing standards around the world, assuring uniformity and quality in remanufacturing practices in various nations. China takes part in the IRF, an international forum that brings together professionals from the remanufacturing business, researchers, politicians, and practitioners. The forum offers a venue for exchanging insights, stories, and best practices in remanufacturing, promoting global networking and collaboration.

To encourage collaboration in remanufacturing, China has also formed bilateral agreements and partnerships with several nations. For instance, China and the United States have worked together on projects involving knowledge transfer, company growth, and remanufacturing research. These collaborations make it possible to share knowledge, technology, and chances for market access. China wants to promote innovation, improve its remanufacturing capabilities, and contribute to the growth and standards of the global remanufacturing industry through these international cooperation initiatives. Collaboration with global organizations, nations, and stakeholders makes it easier to share ideas, technology, and best practices, which propels the development and expansion of the remanufacturing industry worldwide.

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