New policies have established standards for foreign disassemblers and parts distributors to legally supply used airframe and engine components into China, after three years of collaboration among Chinese regulators and aviation industry stakeholders. This initiative creates a legal framework supporting airlines and maintenance providers in purchasing and installing qualified used aircraft parts from foreign suppliers. The policy update follows the recent issuance of official regulations, which aim to facilitate international trade in aircraft components satisfying Chinese safety and quality standards.
The deal is part of China’s broader efforts to modernize its aviation maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) sector, and to foster stricter compliance and safety standards. The new standards will provide clarity and assurance for foreign disassemblers and suppliers operating within China’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
Sean Broderick, Senior Air Transport & Safety Editor at Aviation Week, explained that this development marks a significant step toward integrating international used parts into China’s domestic aviation ecosystem, supporting fleet maintenance efficiency and potentially reducing costs. The collaboration has involved regulators and industry representatives working through policy and technical protocols.
This policy evolution is expected to streamline used parts transactions, improve safety oversight, and create opportunities for global component suppliers to participate actively in China’s aviation infrastructure. The initiative aligns with China's broader goal of enhancing its aviation safety standards while bolstering the domestic and international used parts market.
