Chinese authorities have stepped up enforcement against counterfeit automotive components, with a particular focus on products that pose safety and reliability risks. Two major actions in December 2025 — in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, and at Huangdao Port in Shandong, underline China’s growing efforts to protect intellectual property in the automotive and bearing sectors.
On December 10, the Zhuzhou Market Supervision Administration inspected four bearing retailers at a local industrial market after receiving complaints from trademark owners. Three of the vendors were found to be selling products of suspicious origin and were unable to provide proof of legal sourcing or trademark authorization. Authorities seized 27 sets of counterfeit bearings valued at more than RMB 15,000.
While the seized volume was relatively small, regulators said the case reflects a broader enforcement push. In 2025, Zhuzhou handled 77 intellectual property infringement cases, with confiscated goods worth nearly RMB 7 million and administrative fines totaling RMB 1.54 million. One case has already been referred for possible criminal prosecution.
In a parallel action, Huangdao Customs, under Qingdao Customs, destroyed 20,226 counterfeit automotive parts intercepted in the import-export supply chain. The shipment included bearings, spark plugs, and crankshafts and infringed trademarks such as NGK, Yuchai, and ZWZ. Officials warned that the poor quality of the parts could lead to serious mechanical failures and safety risks.
The goods were dismantled, crushed, and recycled under customs supervision by a licensed waste-disposal company, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal.
The two cases reflect China’s broader shift toward stronger intellectual property enforcement and higher product quality standards. Authorities say crackdowns will continue as part of a wider strategy to improve safety, reliability, and trust in China’s industrial supply chain.
