As technology continues to advance and markets keep expanding, the application scenarios for intelligent robots are rapidly multiplying. From robotic arms on industrial production lines to educational robots in home settings, Chinese manufacturing is reshaping the global industrial chain through technological innovation and cost advantages. Yet challenges such as escalating international trade barriers and diverging technical standards persist, making it imperative for companies to systematically master relevant export strategies. Below is an in-depth analysis of the key pathways for exporting Chinese intelligent robots:

I. Export Status and Market Landscape

1. Global market share

China's intelligent robots (including industrial robots, service robots, and special-purpose robots) recorded an export value of US$18.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 32% of the global market and maintaining an annual growth rate of over 15% for three consecutive years.

Core Market Distribution：

• Asia (45%): South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand—automation demand surging);
• Europe (30%): Germany (automotive supply chain support), France (medical robot procurement);
• North America (15%): Mexico (nearshoring to replace Chinese capacity), United States (focused on warehousing and logistics robots).

2. Technological competitiveness divergence

• Key strengths: AGV handling robots (55% global market share), educational/household service robots (dominated by DJI and UBTECH);
• Weak spots: high-precision industrial articulated robots (Japan’s FANUC and Germany’s KUKA still hold 70% of the high-end market) and surgical robots (monopolized by U.S.-based Intuitive Surgical).

3. Policy and Supply Chain Dynamics

• Affected by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, robots exported to Mexico must meet a 65% North American localization rate to qualify for tariff exemption;
• Starting in 2025, the EU will mandatorily enforce the AI Ethics Compliance Certification (ECPAI), requiring robot data collection to meet GDPR standards.

II. Core Process of Export Agency

(Explained in phases; full cycle approximately 3–6 months)

III. Required Documents Checklist

1. Basic Trade Documents

• Commercial Invoice (indicating HS Code: 847950—Dedicated for Intelligent Robots)
• Packing list (IP protection rating and battery type must be indicated)
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)

2. Compliance certification documents (subject to the specific regulations of the destination country)

• CE Marking (mandatory in the EU, covering EMC and LVD directives)
• FCC ID (mandatory for wireless communication modules in the U.S. market)
• KC Certification (Korea, robot safety test report required)

3. Additional Documents for Special Scenarios

• End-User Statement (Required for exports to Iran and Russia to avoid U.S. secondary sanctions)
• AI Ethics Compliance Certificate (for the EU market, a third-party agency must issue an algorithmic transparency report)

四、重要な注意事項(xiàng)

1. Technical Compliance Trap

• Avoid using chips from U.S.-sanctioned companies (e.g., HiSilicon), or you may trigger BIS export controls;
• If the speech recognition module of a service robot involves privacy-related data collection, it must obtain ISO/IEC 27701 privacy certification.

2. Tax Optimization Strategies

• Leveraging the RCEP rules of origin accumulation, assembly in ASEAN countries can enjoy tariff reductions;
• Exports to the U.S. can be routed through Mexico’s bonded processing zones to sidestep the 25% Section 301 surtax (stay alert to recent U.S.–Mexico tariff developments).

3. After-sales Risk Management

• Purchase product liability insurance;
• Include a “Technology Iteration Clause” in the contract, stipulating the fee standards and time limits for software upgrade services.

V. Comparison of Major Certification Systems

結(jié)論

The global competition in intelligent robotics has entered an era of dual-dimensional contest combining “technology + rules.” Only by delving deep into core component R&D, building resilient supply chains, and thoroughly mastering international regulations can Chinese companies break through trade barriers and technological blockades.

Finally, may your export journey be smooth sailing! And if you need any agency services in your export business, please feel free to contact us at any time!