Published by ChinaMNC · Zhuoni

China Tightens Export Controls on Drone-Related Items: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China's Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs, and Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, optimizing and adjusting export control measures on certain unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. Foreign founders operating in China's drone sector must understand these new requirements to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.

New Export Control Measures for Drone-Related Items

On October 19, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the General Administration of Customs, and the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department jointly released Announcement No. 49 of 2026. The announcement, approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, optimizes and adjusts export control measures for specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. It is issued under the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law, and Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. For foreign founders whose companies in China are involved in the development, production, or trade of drones or related technologies, these changes have direct compliance implications.

What Items Are Now Subject to Export Licensing?

The announcement lists several categories of items that require a license before export. These include:

• Autopilots specially designed for UAVs (referenced under commodity code 90142010.10).
• UAVs or unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator's natural line of sight and meeting certain performance thresholds, such as a maximum endurance of at least 30 minutes but less than 3 hours, and the ability to take off and maintain stable controlled flight in gusty conditions of 46.3 km/h (25 knots) or above.
• Engines and propulsion systems including reciprocating piston or rotary internal combustion engines specially designed for high-altitude flight above 15,420 meters, aero engines with maximum continuous power exceeding 16 kW, and turbojet engines with thrust of 400 N or more.
• Radio communication equipment specially designed for controlled UAVs or unmanned airships and having certain characteristics (referenced under commodity codes 85176299.10, 85176910.02, 85269200.10).
• Unmanned aerial vehicles not already controlled under 9A012, including brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and carbon fiber composite propeller blades with specific features.
• Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b, 9A012.c, 9A012.d, 9A012.e, and 9A901.

Definitions are provided for key terms such as "operator," "endurance," "natural line of sight," and "equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP)."

Licensing and Customs Procedures

Exporters must apply to the competent commerce department of the State Council for a license in accordance with the Export Control Law and the Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. When declaring goods to customs, exporters are responsible for the authenticity of the information. If the item falls under the announcement, they must declare its characteristics and note "subject to export control" in the remarks column of the customs declaration form. If an item is not listed but its characteristics are close to controlled items, or if its end use is not covered but other parameters match, exporters must still declare the information and note "not subject to export control." Customs may question the authenticity of the declaration and will not release the goods during the questioning period.

Facilitations and Exceptions

The announcement provides certain facilitations:

• For exports of items controlled under 9A012.a.1, exporters may obtain an export voucher by registering and submitting information before each export, and then export independently.
• For items controlled under 9A012.a and 9A112 that are used for exhibitions (excluding defense and police exhibitions) held within China and returned in their original condition immediately after the exhibition, or for exhibitions held outside China and re-imported in their original condition immediately after, exporters may also use the registration-based voucher system for each export.
• Exporters that have established an internal compliance system for dual-use item export control, operate it well, have a relevant export record, and have relatively fixed export channels and end users may apply for general licenses and other facilitation measures in accordance with the law.

Implications for Foreign Founders in China

Foreign founders with companies in China that manufacture, trade, or研发 drone-related products should review their product portfolios against the controlled list. If your products fall under the announced items, you must obtain export licenses before shipping. Even if your products are not listed but have similar characteristics, you are required to declare them to customs and note their status. Failure to comply can result in delays, penalties, or legal consequences.

It is advisable to establish or strengthen an internal compliance program for export controls. Such a program not only helps ensure compliance but also positions your company to benefit from facilitations like general licenses. Additionally, maintain accurate records of exports and end users, as these are considered when applying for general licenses.

For companies that participate in exhibitions, the registration-based voucher system may simplify procedures, but strict conditions apply, including the requirement that items be returned in their original condition immediately after the exhibition.

Given the technical nature of the controls, seek professional advice if you are unsure whether your products are covered. The definitions and thresholds in the announcement are specific, and misinterpretation could lead to unintended violations.

Call to Action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.