Brazil's new policy targeting China's auto parts only

By the end of the first half of this year, six important parts - steering systems (and components), batteries and tires - will be technically regulated, Sao Paulo reported.

From then on, the products - including domestic ones and imported ones - will only be able to be sold after receiving the INMETRO seal, like it is for toy products.

Brazil re-regulates the technical standards for imported auto-parts aiming at strengthening the supervision for imported auto parts from China, experts said.

Brazil’s auto parts import from China jumped from $467 million to $1.25 billion during the period from 2009 to 2011. Compared to 2010, the growth was 61.5% and led to a record deficit of $1.1 billion in the sector's trade balance.

"There is a very large entry into Brazil of auto parts of dubious origin, poor quality and high risk to the citizen," says Alfredo Lobo, the director of quality for INMETRO.

Brazil has set technical standards for 9 auto parts, and prepares to re-regulate technical quality standards for the other 11 auto parts, including auto horn and the muffler before 2015.