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

China's MOFCOM, GAC, and CMC Equipment Development Department announced optimized export control measures for certain unmanned aircraft items. Foreign founders operating in China should understand the licensing requirements and compliance obligations.

China Updates Drone Export Control List

On October 19, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), General Administration of Customs (GAC), and the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, optimizing and adjusting export control measures for certain unmanned aircraft-related items. The announcement, approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, is based on the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law, and Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. For foreign founders whose China-based companies manufacture, trade, or export drone-related products, this update affects which items require export licenses and how to handle customs declarations.

Which Items Are Now Subject to Export Controls?

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

• Autopilots specially designed for unmanned aircraft (control code 7A103.b., customs reference 90142010.10).
• Unmanned aircraft and airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator’s natural line of sight and meeting certain performance criteria, such as 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 (control code 9A012.a.).
• Engines: reciprocating piston or rotary internal combustion engines specially designed for flight above 15,420 m (50,000 ft); 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 the unmanned aircraft controlled under 9A012.a. and meeting certain characteristics (control code 9A012.e.).
• Unmanned aircraft not controlled under 9A012 (control code 9A112), including brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and carbon fiber composite propeller blades with specified features.
• Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b, 9A012.c, 9A012.d, 9A012.e, and 9A901 (control code 9E902).

The announcement also provides definitions for terms such as “operator,” “endurance,” “natural line of sight,” and “equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP)” to clarify the scope of control.

Licensing and Customs Procedures

Exporters must apply to the competent commerce department of the State Council 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, 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 to those controlled, or if its end use is not covered but other characteristics match, exporters must still declare the relevant information and mark “not subject to export control.” Customs may question the accuracy of declarations and will not release goods during the questioning period.

Facilitative Measures for Certain Exports

The announcement introduces several facilitative measures:

• For exports of items controlled under 9A012.a.1., exporters may obtain an export certificate through registration and information filing 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 to the original export location in their original state immediately after the exhibition, or for exhibitions held outside China and returned to China in their original state immediately after the exhibition, exporters may likewise use the registration and filing method to obtain an export certificate for each export.
• Exporters that have established and effectively operated an internal compliance system for dual-use item export controls, have a relevant export record, and have relatively fixed export channels and end-users may apply for general licenses and other facilitative measures in accordance with the law.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

If your China-based company deals in drones, drone components, or related technology, you should review your product lines against the control lists and customs codes. Ensure that any exports of controlled items are licensed and that customs declarations accurately reflect the characteristics of your goods. Maintaining a robust internal compliance program can help you qualify for general licenses and streamline future exports. Given the technical nature of the controls, consulting with trade compliance professionals is advisable.

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

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