Can private companies import crude oil into China?

Crude imports controlled via MOFCOM quota system. State majors (Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, Sinochem) hold structural quotas; independent 'teapot' refiners (Shandong) receive annual NDC allocations. Private quota holders also exist (Hengli, Zhejiang Petrochemical, Shenghong).

Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in China?

Refined-product import/export quotas allocated by MOFCOM. Major exporter of gasoline, diesel, jet to Asia.

Does OilFlow screen counterparties against China regulations?

Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for China are gated against these rules automatically.

All countries

Regulatory

China — oil import rules

These are the same rules the Regulatory Matrix API serves for China-bound trade: which products private parties can move, which run through a government or monopoly route, and which are closed outright.

Open to private trade2

Restricted2

Blocked0

Compiled regulatory guidance from OilFlow Network, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the relevant national regulator before structuring a deal.

Product-by-product

Crude oilRESTRICTED: Restricted — government/monopoly routeCrude imports controlled via MOFCOM quota system. State majors (Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, Sinochem) hold structural quotas; independent 'teapot' refiners (Shandong) receive annual NDC allocations. Private quota holders also exist (Hengli, Zhejiang Petrochemical, Shenghong).
Refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, jet)RESTRICTED: Restricted — government/monopoly routeRefined-product import/export quotas allocated by MOFCOM. Major exporter of gasoline, diesel, jet to Asia.
LPGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeStandard licensing applies. No special restrictions recorded.
LNGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeCNOOC, Sinopec, PetroChina dominate; independent terminals (ENN, Yulong) rising. World's largest LNG importer (overtook Japan 2021).

Frequently asked

Can private companies import crude oil into China?: Crude imports controlled via MOFCOM quota system. State majors (Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, Sinochem) hold structural quotas; independent 'teapot' refiners (Shandong) receive annual NDC allocations. Private quota holders also exist (Hengli, Zhejiang Petrochemical, Shenghong).
Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in China?: Refined-product import/export quotas allocated by MOFCOM. Major exporter of gasoline, diesel, jet to Asia.
Does OilFlow screen counterparties against China regulations?: Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for China are gated against these rules automatically.

Use this jurisdiction

These rules ship in the Regulatory Matrix API, from $99/mo. Bank compliance teams hit /api/v1/regulatory/check to gate counterparty intake automatically; subscribers get webhooks on every rule change. Screening a specific counterparty into China? Run a free check first.