Export curbs imposed on tunneling machines

China has unveiled a package of export control measures covering drones, tunnel-boring machinery and dredging equipment to refine export oversight and facilitate compliant trade, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday.

The new regulations, which will take effect on Nov 18, have been jointly issued by the ministry and other relevant authorities to better coordinate development and security, safeguard national security and interests, and fulfill international nonproliferation obligations.

Under the measures, China will adjust export controls on certain unmanned aerial vehicles and related equipment, including autopilot systems, aviation engines, communication systems, flight control software and navigation technologies.

Exporters of the controlled items must obtain licenses from the Commerce Ministry, although simplified procedures will be available for certain drone exports and temporary exhibition shipments, as well as for companies with established export compliance systems.

The updated controls cover drones capable of flying beyond visual range and meeting specified endurance or performance thresholds, as well as certain UAVs with a range of at least 300 kilometers.

The ministry and the General Administration of Customs have also introduced export controls on tunnel-boring machinery, including shield tunneling machines, and their key components and related technologies.

The measures cover walking excavators capable of operating in difficult terrain and specialized wet-shotcrete machines designed for construction projects at altitudes above 3,000 meters.

Exports of these items to sensitive countries and regions involved in disputes with China will require government approval, while shipments to other destinations may proceed through a registration-based system, subject to restrictions on subsequent transfers.

China has also adjusted export controls on dredgers and related equipment, including dredge pumps and cutterheads that meet specified technical thresholds. Exporters of these products will be required to apply for licenses under the country's export control regulations.

A spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry said the controlled items have clear dual-use characteristics, and the measures are consistent with international practices and China's obligations to safeguard national security and prevent proliferation.

China will review export license applications in accordance with the law and approve those that meet regulatory requirements, the spokesperson said, adding that the nation is willing to engage in dialogue with relevant countries and regions to facilitate compliant trade and maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

Also on Monday, the ministry and the GAC announced new procedures, effective immediately, to streamline customs inspection and identification of potentially controlled dual-use goods.

Exporters are required to submit supporting documents within seven working days of receiving a customs inquiry, while customs authorities are expected to complete their assessment or request further identification within 15 working days of receiving such documents.

Experts said the updated controls reflect China's efforts to strengthen oversight of sensitive technologies and address potential security risks.

Zhang Xin, deputy dean of the School of Law at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said a more targeted regulatory framework will facilitate compliant exports and support international technological cooperation.

Liu Xinyu, co-director of the Cross Border Sanctions and Export Control Research Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the growing sophistication of dual-use equipment has made distinguishing civilian applications from potential military uses increasingly challenging.

He said that advances in artificial intelligence and automation are expanding the capabilities of industrial equipment, making technical specifications and end-use assessments more important in determining which export items require closer scrutiny.