Export Auto Parts to Africa: A Chinese Supplier's Guide (2026)

The aftermarket for tyres, brake parts, filters and suspension components is where Chinese suppliers can build repeat business. If you want to export auto parts to Africa, you need to know which parts move in volume, what the rules say about new versus used items, which certificates buyers ask for, and how to quote clearly. This guide is for suppliers rather than vehicle makers, and covers both tyres and general parts.

Export auto parts to Africa: what customs data shows

UN Comtrade data published by Trading Economics gives a 2025 picture for Nigeria's reported imports from China. Within its US$1.46 billion of vehicle-chapter imports, parts and accessories of motor vehicles were US$227.68 million, new pneumatic tyres of rubber were reported separately at US$308.88 million, and motor vehicles for the transport of goods were US$193.65 million. Tractors, at US$430.88 million, were the largest line, which tells you the parts market also includes agricultural and commercial equipment, not only cars.

These numbers show scale, not margin. Tyres alone were bigger than all general motor vehicle parts in that country's data, which suggests tyres deserve their own plan: size ranges, load indexes, brand positioning and supply consistency. Our guide to pricing products for African buyers explains how landed cost affects what buyers will pay.

Who buys in the African aftermarket

Parts importers and wholesalers who stock fast-moving items and supply shops in several cities.
Tyre dealers who buy by size and often want a clear tier structure for new brands.
Workshops and fleet operators who purchase kits, service parts and consumables, often through a wholesaler.
Commercial vehicle and equipment owners who buy specific parts for trucks, buses and machinery.

This breakdown reflects general trade practice, not statistics. The practical point: a supplier who provides accurate fitment information (make, model, year, OE cross-reference) is far easier to buy from than one with a generic part name. Offer a compatibility table in each listing and use the same part numbering across your catalogue.

New versus used: rules you should know

The aftermarket includes used and reconditioned parts, so some countries restrict them. As of October 2026, official sources show:

Nigeria. The Nigeria Customs import prohibition list on the Nigerian Trade Information Portal includes rethreaded and used pneumatic tyres (with used truck tyres of certain sizes for rethreading excluded) and used motor vehicles above a stated age. New tyres are not on that list.
Kenya. The KEBS PVoC Manual (version 15, 19 February 2026) says used goods follow Route A, and that vehicles, mobile equipment and used spare parts from Japan and the UAE must also be inspected for radiation contamination. A KEBS notice of February 2026 adds that used motor vehicles, mobile equipment and spare parts remain under a separate inspection contract. For new parts, ask your buyer or KEBS which route applies. See the PVoC manual.
Ghana. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) lists vehicle parts among High Risk Goods under import inspection and says consignments should carry a Certificate of Analysis or Certificate of Conformance referencing the applicable standard. See the GSA import inspection page.
South Africa. The NRCS says new passenger car tyres fall under compulsory specification VC8056 (ECE Regulation 30) and new commercial vehicle tyres under VC8059 (ECE Regulation 54). Homologation must be completed before a tyre is imported or released for sale, with proof of compliance such as an "E" mark, and the sidewall must show size, tread pattern, load and speed index, date of manufacture and construction type. Read the NRCS tyre page.

If you only sell new parts in original or branded packaging, say so on every listing. Buyers in restricted markets will look for exactly that statement. We have not checked each country individually, so tell buyers to check the importing country's rules for their product code.

Tyres: sidewall markings, certification and quality control

Tyres are the clearest example of how documentation controls access. The NRCS page shows what South African authorities expect on the sidewall, such as an example of a passenger tyre marked 185/70R14 90T TUBELESS M+S. Whether or not your destination is South Africa, build your factory's labelling and test records around these basics: size, load and speed index, date of manufacture, construction and approval marks.

For Nigeria's SONCAP pre-shipment scheme, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria says certification happens before shipment and its approved Independent Accredited Firms include China-based companies. Its FAQ says a SONCAP certificate is consignment-specific. See the SON FAQ. We could not confirm from SON's pages which auto parts fall under SONCAP, so ask SON or your buyer. For Kenya, KEBS fees under PVoC are stated as 0.60%, 0.55% or 0.50% of FOB value depending on the route, with a USD 300 minimum and USD 3,500 maximum.

Quote parts so buyers can compare you quickly

Use a fitment table. Make, model, year range and OE cross-reference for every part.
Offer starter mixed cartons for importers testing a new supplier, and larger container tiers for repeat buyers. See our guide on selling in Kenya as a foreign manufacturer for local market context.
Show packaging and anti-counterfeit marks, so importers can tell genuine parts from copies.
State warranty terms in writing, with a claims process a distributor can follow.
Say what Incoterm you quote. Our guide to FOB, CIF and DDP explains the choices.

How to export auto parts to Africa on Comilmart

Comilmart is a B2B and B2C marketplace for Africa. Apply at /apply-manufacturer for know-your-supplier (KYS) verification. The form asks for your company registration number, tax number, business licence upload, registration certificate upload, at least two sample product images, company mission, vision and core values, and at least one B2B category. Review is stated to take about 24 to 48 hours; applying is free.

After approval, create listings with MOQs and tiered pricing, offer sample orders so a buyer can test fitment, and use live chat for part-number questions. Buyers post requests at /request-quotation with product, quantity and delivery country, and you can answer from the RFQ board. Buyer protection holds payment until delivery is confirmed, within a 7-day window. You arrange and pay for shipping; Comilmart does not handle freight, customs clearance, duties or delivery. For supplier payment methods and currencies, ask through live chat or /contact-us. Browse live categories at /browse.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell used parts or retreaded tyres to Africa? Nigeria's customs list prohibits rethreaded and used pneumatic tyres, and Kenya applies specific inspection routes to used goods. Check the importing country's rules before shipping any used item.

Do tyres need certification? South Africa requires homologation before import under the NRCS compulsory specifications. Other countries use their own schemes, so ask the buyer.

What documents do buyers usually ask for? Certificates of conformity or analysis in schemes such as Ghana's, test reports, and fitment data. The exact set depends on the country and product.

How can I avoid fake-part concerns? Show verified supplier status, original packaging and part numbers, and provide sample orders.

Next step

If you want to export auto parts to Africa and build repeat orders with importers and tyre dealers, start at /sell-to-africa, then submit your application at /apply-manufacturer. Comilmart cannot promise buyers or sales, but a verified supplier profile with accurate fitment data makes you easier to trust.