How to source Chinese EV spare parts: a practical sourcing guide

1. Identify the part: OE code first, VIN second, photo last

Every quote starts from the OE code (Original Equipment code). Chinese EV OEMs each maintain their own OE-code namespace — BYD uses formats like 13161518-00A or SC2E-2803111A, Denza inherits BYD's namespace but with model-prefix segments, NIO/XPeng/Zeekr each use their own. There is no industry-wide cross-reference, so a Bosch number from a European supplier will not map cleanly to a BYD code.

If you can see the OE code stamped on the old part, send the code plus the model name and year. If the part is broken or the code is illegible, send the VIN — every Chinese EV OEM keeps a VIN-to-OE lookup on the supplier side, so we can pull the correct code from there.

For body and trim parts where neither the code nor the VIN is enough (e.g. you don't know which trim level the customer's car was originally), send photos from three angles plus the part's approximate position on the car. We'll suggest the OE code from our side and confirm with you before locking the quote.

2. Choose the quality tier: Genuine OEM, Premium Grade A, or Aftermarket

Chinese auto-parts supply is organised into three quality tiers that don't always map onto the European or US definitions of OEM and aftermarket. Knowing which tier fits which repair saves the customer money without compromising safety or fit.

Genuine OEM: the part that came in the original vehicle, sourced through the OEM dealer network or the OEM's own export channel. Boxed and labelled with the OEM marks. Use this tier for safety-critical or ADAS-integrated parts — airbag modules, SRS ECUs, bumper assemblies with sensor apertures, radar housings, and front cameras. Genuine OEM is also the standard for warranty repairs on cars still under the OEM warranty.

Premium Grade A (Заводской аналог in Russian, تجاري درجة أولى in Arabic): produced on the same lines and tooling as Genuine OEM but supplied without the OEM logo. Same materials, same dimensional tolerances, same QC. Use this tier for body panels, lighting assemblies, suspension components, and most non-electronic parts where workshops want OEM quality at 20–35% lower cost. This tier is the volume sweet spot for collision-repair shops.

Aftermarket (Неоригинал in Russian, تجاري in Arabic): independent factories producing parts to OE specifications with their own QC. Quality varies between factories — the catalog only lists Aftermarket suppliers we've validated. Use this tier for wear items where the customer is price-sensitive: brake pads, wiper blades, trim clips, and exterior accessories.

3. BYD-specific identification notes

BYD models often carry two names — the Chinese-market name and the export-market name. Atto 3 is the export name for what the Chinese market calls Yuan PLUS. Sealion 7 is exported as Seal U in some markets. Han is sold both as Han EV (pure electric) and Han DM-i (plug-in hybrid) with different parts inventories for the powertrain components but largely shared body parts.

Steering configuration matters for body and interior parts. LHD (left-hand drive) and RHD (right-hand drive) variants share most exterior parts but differ on dashboard, steering column, and pedal box assemblies. Always confirm steering side before ordering a dashboard.

Model-year matters more than usual on BYD because they refresh trim and ADAS aperture layouts mid-cycle. A Qin Plus DM-i Gen 1 bumper will not interchange with a Gen 2 bumper. The catalog separates these as distinct model keys (byd-qin-plus-dmi vs byd-qin-plus-dmi-gen2).

4. Shipping and Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CIF — when to use which

Air freight from Shenzhen or Guangzhou typically lands 5–10 days door-to-door for small parcels under 30 kg. Sea freight is 25–45 days port-to-port plus customs clearance time. For pallet- or container-sized orders, sea is usually 60–80% cheaper per kilo than air.

EXW (Ex Works) means you pay from the supplier's gate. You arrange the freight forwarder and bear all risk from China onward. Use EXW only if you already have a Chinese forwarder you trust — otherwise the cost savings disappear in domestic-leg friction.

FOB (Free On Board) means we deliver to the named Chinese port and load onto your nominated vessel. From there your forwarder takes over. FOB is the most common term for buyers who already have a forwarder on the destination side but no Chinese presence.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means we arrange the international freight and insurance to the destination port. The buyer handles import clearance and the final-mile delivery. CIF is the simplest term for buyers who don't want to manage forwarders on both ends.

Document pack on every shipment: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or air waybill for air freight), and an insurance certificate when shipping CIF or DDP. We do not provide Certificate of Origin, MSDS, or UN38.3 dangerous-goods declarations.

5. Common sourcing mistakes that workshops make

Skipping the OE code in the first message. "BYD Atto 3 bumper" is not enough — there are at least eight distinct bumper SKUs across model years, trim levels, and steering side. Always include the OE code or VIN at first contact.

Assuming aftermarket means low quality. Premium Grade A parts from validated suppliers are functionally equivalent to Genuine OEM at meaningful cost savings. The category split is about labelling and channel, not workmanship.

Under-ordering on consumables. Brake pads, wiper blades, and bushings have low per-unit cost but high per-shipment overhead. Bundle 6–12 months of consumable demand into one container shipment instead of multiple air-freight refills.

Forgetting the ADAS calibration. Replacing a bumper, windscreen, or front camera on most modern BYD models requires an ADAS calibration session afterward. Budget the calibration time in the repair quote — and use Genuine OEM or Premium Grade A sensor-housing parts so the calibration succeeds.