Paskelbta · Lithuania

China Updates Drone Export Controls: 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 export control measures for certain unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. Foreign founders operating in China's drone sector should understand the new licensing requirements and compliance obligations.

China Adjusts Drone Export Controls: Key Points for Foreign Founders

On October 19, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the General Administration of Customs, 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, pursuant to the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law, and Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. The decision was approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission to safeguard national security and interests.

For foreign founders operating in China's drone industry, this update means that certain UAV-related items now require export licenses. Understanding which items are controlled and how to comply is essential for smooth cross-border operations.

Items Now Subject to Export Control

The announcement lists specific items that cannot be exported without a license. These include:

• Autopilots specially designed for UAVs (classified under 7A103.b, customs reference 90142010.10).
• UAVs and unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator's natural line of sight and meeting certain characteristics (9A012.a). These include aircraft with a maximum endurance of 30 minutes or more 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. A long list of customs codes is provided for reference.
• Engines: reciprocating piston or rotary internal combustion engines specially designed for flight above 15,420 meters (50,000 feet); aero engines with maximum continuous power exceeding 16 kW; and turbojet engines with thrust of 400 N or more (9A012.b).
• Radio communication equipment specially designed for UAVs or unmanned airships controlled under 9A012.a, with certain characteristics (9A012.e).
• UAV components not controlled under 9A012, including brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and carbon fiber composite propeller blades with specific features (9A112).
• Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b, 9A012.c, 9A012.d, 9A012.e, and 9A901 (9E902).

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

Licensing and Customs Procedures

Exporters must apply to the State Council's commerce department for a license before exporting any controlled item, in accordance with the Export Control Law and the Dual-Use Items Export Control Regulations.

When declaring goods to customs, exporters are responsible for the authenticity of the information. If the item falls under the announcement, the exporter must declare its characteristics and mark "export control item" 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, the exporter must still declare the characteristics and mark "not an export control item." Customs may question the accuracy of declarations, and goods will not be released during the questioning period.

Facilitations and Exceptions

The announcement provides certain facilitations:

• For exports of items controlled under 9A012.a.1, exporters may self-export after obtaining an export voucher through registration and information filing before each shipment.
• For items controlled under 9A012.a and 9A112 intended for exhibitions (excluding defense and police exhibitions) held in China and returned to the original export location immediately after the exhibition, or for exhibitions held outside China and returned to China immediately after, exporters may self-export after obtaining an export voucher through registration and information filing before each shipment.
• Exporters that have established and effectively operated an internal compliance system for dual-use item export control, with relevant export records and relatively fixed export channels and end users, may apply for general licenses and other facilitation measures in accordance with the law.

Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders

If your company in China manufactures, trades, or exports drones or related components, you should:

• Review your product portfolio against the controlled item list to determine whether any products require an export license.
• Establish an internal compliance program for dual-use item export control to qualify for general licenses and streamlined procedures.
• Ensure accurate customs declarations, marking controlled items appropriately and providing detailed technical specifications.
• Maintain records of exports and end users to support license applications and compliance audits.
• Consult legal experts to interpret the technical parameters and ensure full compliance.

The announcement takes effect on October 19, 2026. Foreign founders should act promptly to adapt their operations.

Call to action: For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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