China to require permits for key drone exports, restrict machinery sales to sensitive destinations

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday announced revised export controls on drones and key components, alongside restrictions on specialized construction machinery bound for sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with Beijing.

The measures will take effect on Nov. 18, according to two Commerce Ministry announcements citing national security and interests.

The drone rules, issued jointly with customs authorities and the Central Military Commission's Equipment Development Department, require authorization for exports meeting specified technical criteria.

Covered items include UAV-specific autopilots, certain engines, and drones or unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator's visual range with an endurance of at least three hours.

The controls also cover certain shorter-endurance aircraft, UAVs with ranges of at least 300 kilometers (186 miles), communications equipment, motors, propeller blades, software, and related technologies.

Simplified procedures are available for specified shipments, including qualifying exhibition exports. Eligible companies with effective internal compliance systems may benefit from general licenses.

The separate machinery announcement covers tunnel boring machines, certain walking excavators, and high-altitude wet shotcrete machines used to spray concrete, along with specified components and technologies.

Exports to sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China will require licenses, while shipments to other destinations will use a registration-based export certification procedure.

Exporters and end users must undertake not to transfer covered Chinese-origin items to countries and regions that have disputes with China without authorization. Overseas organizations and individuals are also prohibited from making unauthorized transfers to sensitive destinations.

The machinery controls include shield and rock tunnel boring machines, cutting tools, cutterheads, and main drive systems.

Walking excavators are covered if they exceed specified thresholds for crossing obstacles or trenches, wading through water, or climbing slopes.

The shotcrete provisions apply to machines designed for use above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) that meet a set of technical criteria, as well as certain components and hydraulic and pumping technologies.

China's dual-use export control list will be updated when the measures enter into force.

Mücahithan Avcıoğlu