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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 have issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, revising export control measures for certain unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. Foreign founders operating or registering a company in China should understand these changes to ensure compliance.
China Updates Drone Export Controls: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
On October 19, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), General Administration of Customs, and Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department jointly issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, which optimizes and adjusts export control measures for specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. The announcement is based on China's 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 the drone or aerospace sectors, these changes affect export procedures and compliance obligations.
Key Items Now Subject to Export Controls
The announcement specifies several categories of items that require export licenses. These include:
- Autopilots specially designed for UAVs (under control code 7A103.b., with reference customs commodity number 90142010.10).
- UAVs and unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator's natural line of sight and having any of the following characteristics (under 9A012.a., with multiple reference customs numbers):
- 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.
- Engines specially designed for UAVs, including:
- Reciprocating piston or rotary internal combustion engines designed for flight above 15,420 meters (50,000 feet).
- Aircraft engines with maximum continuous power exceeding 16 kW.
- Turbojet engines with thrust of 400 N or more.
- Radio communication equipment specially designed for UAVs or unmanned airships controlled under 9A012.a. and having certain characteristics (under 9A012.e., with reference customs commodity numbers).
- Unmanned aerial vehicles not controlled under 9A012 (under 9A112) that incorporate certain components, such as:
- Brushless motors specially designed for UAV propellers with all specified characteristics.
- Electronic speed controllers designed for use with items controlled under 9A901.a.
- Propeller blades made of carbon fiber composite materials with any specified characteristic, including variable pitch functionality.
- Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b, 9A012.c, 9A012.d, 9A012.e, or 9A901 (under 9E902).
These items cannot be exported without a license. The announcement also provides definitions for terms such as "operator," "endurance," "natural line of sight," and "equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP)."
Licensing and Customs Procedures
Exporters must apply to the competent commerce department under the State Council for a license 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 goods fall under the controlled items listed in the announcement, the exporter must declare their characteristics and indicate "export controlled item" in the remarks column of the customs declaration form. If the goods are not listed but have similar characteristics or are not intended for the uses described but otherwise meet the criteria, the exporter must still declare the characteristics and indicate "not an export controlled item." If customs has doubts about the declared information, it may question the exporter, and the goods will not be released during the questioning period.
Simplified Procedures and General Licenses
The announcement introduces several facilitative measures:
- For exports of items controlled under 9A012.a.1., exporters may self-export after obtaining an export certificate through registration and information submission before each export.
- For items controlled under 9A012.a. and 9A112 that are used for exhibitions held in China (excluding defense and police exhibitions) and returned to the original place of export in their original condition immediately after the exhibition, or for exhibitions held outside China (excluding defense and police exhibitions) and returned to China in their original condition immediately after the exhibition, exporters may self-export after obtaining an export certificate through registration and information submission before each export.
- For exporting enterprises that have established and well-operated an internal compliance system for dual-use item export control, have relevant export records, and have relatively fixed export channels and end-users, general licenses and other facilitative measures may be applied in accordance with the law.
Implications for Foreign Founders in China
Foreign founders with companies in China that manufacture, trade, or export drone-related products or technologies should review their product lines and supply chains against the controlled items list. If your products fall under the announcement, you must obtain the necessary export licenses before shipping. It is also crucial to implement an internal compliance program to qualify for general licenses and simplified procedures. Additionally, accurate customs declaration is essential to avoid delays or penalties.
Given the technical nature of the controls, seeking professional advice is recommended to ensure full compliance. ChinaMNC can assist foreign founders with company registration, compliance, and operational support in China.
Call to Action: For assistance with registering and operating a company 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.