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

This rule table is one leg of every counterparty check we run: the tradability rule for the destination country fires alongside the fraud cluster match and the eight-list sanctions screen. Compliance teams that want to call /api/v1/regulatory/check from their own intake systems are scoped on a call, no list price. Screening a named counterparty into China? Run the free check below. A Counterparty Screen is $95, ordered by email to [email protected]: machine output on one named counterparty inside the hour, marked DRAFT for review by independent legal counsel.

Order on one named counterparty

Counterparty Screen$95

One name, delivered within the hour, marked DRAFT for review by independent legal counsel, no human read. PEP is not screened; adverse media is not swept.

Order a Screen by email

Counterparty File$500

One named counterparty, the Screen's steps plus a named human's written read and signature, in your inbox by the end of the third business day or the fee is refunded in full.

Order a File by email

Email [email protected] with the product and the counterparty name in the subject. An invoice comes back by reply. Both are prepaid by invoice or marketplace order; there is no card checkout.