China's 300 billion yuan "trade-in" subsidy program for 2025 has entered its final phase, with the fourth batch of 69 billion yuan in special funds fully allocated to provinces on October 1st. The national unified cutoff time is set for December 31st at 24:00, though provinces including Henan, Hunan, and Shandong may close applications earlier in mid-December due to budget constraints. Xinjiang and Pingxiang, Jiangxi have completely suspended the program and will not resume in the second half of the year.
**Core Subsidy Rules and Categories**
**Home Appliances**: Twelve product categories including refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers receive subsidies based on energy efficiency ratings. First-level energy efficiency products receive up to 20% subsidy (capped at 2,000 yuan per item), while second-level efficiency products receive 15% (capped at 1,500 yuan). Up to three air conditioning units are eligible per household.
**Mobile Devices and Electronics**: Smartphones and tablets under 6,000 yuan receive 15% subsidies (capped at 500 yuan), while computers receive 20% subsidies (capped at 2,000 yuan).
**Vehicle Trade-In**: Scrapping old vehicles for new energy vehicles provides 20,000 yuan subsidies, while trading for fuel vehicles offers 15,000 yuan. Transferring old vehicles for new energy alternatives provides 15,000 yuan, and 13,000 yuan for fuel vehicles. Purchase invoices must be issued before the end of 2025, with materials submitted by January 10, 2026.
**Application Channels and Procedures**
**Online Applications**: Major e-commerce platforms like JD.com offer direct subsidy applications through specific search terms and promotional codes. The platform provides "trade-in" services where customers submit old device serial numbers during purchase, and subsidies are automatically applied upon completion.
**Offline Applications**: Physical stores including Suning and Gome accept applications with required documentation including ID cards and device serial numbers. Subsidies typically process within three business days.
**Regional Implementation Variations**
**Budget-Constrained Regions**: Henan, Hunan, and Shandong provinces may terminate applications by mid-December, making early applications for high-value items like home appliances advisable.
**Suspended Regions**: Xinjiang and Pingxiang, Jiangxi have completely halted the program with no resumption planned for the remainder of the year.
**Normal Operations**: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and other regions support full-day applications, while some provinces operate scheduled release windows.
**Key Requirements and Guidelines**
**Invoice Requirements**: Individual invoices are mandatory; corporate invoices are invalid. Invoices must include product serial numbers and subsidy amounts.
**Serial Number Verification**: Mobile devices require activation photos, while computers need photographs showing both packaging and device serial numbers. Old device information must match the applicant's details.
**Anti-Fraud Measures**: Official channels charge no processing fees. All third-party代辦 services are fraudulent.
**Timing Considerations**
Industry experts suggest immediate action as the fourth batch of funds may be exhausted by late November, particularly for high-value categories like home appliances and automobiles. The program represents the most significant consumer stimulus policy in recent years, with the next round potentially not resuming until 2027 with possible policy adjustments.
**Documentation Management**
Applicants should maintain organized records of old device serial numbers, invoices, and recycling certificates. For vehicle purchases, if registration cannot be completed by end-2025, complete materials must be submitted by January 10, 2026, after which applications become invalid.
The policy verification can be conducted through the Ministry of Commerce official website, provincial commerce department announcements, or the "National Automotive Trade-In Platform."