የታተመ · Amharic

China Clarifies Drone Export Controls: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China’s MOFCOM, GAC, and CMC Equipment Development Department issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, adjusting export controls on certain unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) items. Foreign founders operating in China must understand licensing, customs declaration, and compliance obligations.

Overview of the New Drone Export Control Measures

On October 19, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), General Administration of Customs (GAC), and the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department jointly issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026. The announcement optimizes and adjusts export control measures for specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items, following approval by the State Council and the Central Military Commission. The measures are grounded in the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law, and Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items.

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, especially those involved in manufacturing, trading, or exporting drone-related technologies, this update introduces specific compliance requirements. Understanding which items are controlled and how to navigate the licensing process is essential to avoid disruptions.

Controlled Items: What Requires a License

The announcement lists several categories of items that cannot be exported without a license. These include:

• Autopilots specially designed for UAVs (item 7A103.b).
• UAVs or unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator’s natural line of sight, with specific performance characteristics (item 9A012.a). For example, those with a maximum endurance of 30 minutes to 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: 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 (item 9A012.b).
• Radio communication equipment specially designed for controlled UAVs or airships, with certain characteristics (item 9A012.e).
• Unmanned aerial vehicles not covered under 9A012, including brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and carbon fiber composite blades with specific features (item 9A112).
• Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b, 9A012.c, 9A012.d, 9A012.e, and 9A901 (item 9E902).

The announcement also provides technical definitions for terms such as “operator,” “endurance,” and “natural line of sight” to clarify the scope of control.

Licensing and Customs Procedures

Exporters of the listed items must apply for a license from the competent commerce department under the State Council, 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 indicate “subject to export control” in the remarks column of the customs declaration form. If an item is not listed but its characteristics are close, or if its end use is not covered but other indicators match, exporters must also declare the details and mark “not subject to export control.” Customs may question the accuracy of the declaration and will not release the goods during the inquiry period.

Facilitative Measures and Exceptions

The announcement provides certain facilitative measures:

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

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

If your China-based company deals with drones, drone components, or related technology, you should:

• Review your product portfolio against the controlled items list to determine whether any products require an export license.
• Establish or strengthen an internal compliance program for dual-use exports, which can help qualify for general licenses and other facilitative measures.
• Ensure accurate customs declarations, including proper remarks, to avoid delays or penalties.
• For participation in exhibitions, follow the registration procedure to obtain export certificates and ensure timely return of items.

Given the technical nature of the controls, seeking professional advice is advisable to confirm whether your products fall within the scope.

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.