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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 issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, adjusting export control measures for certain unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. Foreign founders operating in China's drone sector must understand these new requirements to ensure compliance.

China Adjusts Drone Export Controls: Key Changes 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 released Announcement No. 49 of 2026, optimizing and adjusting export control measures for specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related items. The announcement, approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, aims to safeguard national security and interests. For foreign founders registered or operating a company in China's drone industry, understanding these controls is essential to avoid legal risks and ensure smooth export operations.

What Items Are Now Under Export Control?

The announcement specifies several categories of items that require export licenses. These include:

• Autopilots specially designed for UAVs (classified under 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 possessing certain characteristics (9A012.a.). These include 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. The announcement provides detailed definitions for terms like "operator," "endurance," and "natural line of sight."
• Engines for UAVs: reciprocating piston or rotary internal combustion engines designed for high-altitude 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. (9A012.e.).
• Unmanned aerial vehicles not controlled under 9A012 (9A112), including brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, and carbon fiber composite propeller blades designed for UAVs.
• Technology for the development, production, or use of items controlled under 9A012.b., 9A012.c., 9A012.d., 9A012.e., or 9A901 (9E902).

These items cannot be exported without a license. The announcement lists reference customs commodity numbers for each category to aid classification.

Licensing and Customs Procedures

Exporters 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 must truthfully declare the characteristics and indicators of the items. If the item falls under the announcement, the customs declaration must note "subject to export control" in the remarks column. If the item does not fall under the announcement but its characteristics are close, or if its end use does not match but other indicators do, exporters must still declare the information and note "not subject to export control." Customs may question the authenticity of declarations, and goods will not be released during the questioning period.

Facilitative Measures and Exemptions

The announcement introduces several facilitative measures:

• For exports of items controlled under 9A012.a.1., exporters may obtain an export certificate through registration and self-export before each shipment.
• For items controlled under 9A012.a. and 9A112 intended for exhibitions (excluding defense and police exhibitions) held in China and returned unchanged afterward, or for exhibitions held outside China and returned unchanged, exporters may use the registration method for each export.
• Exporters with a well-established internal compliance program for dual-use item export control, a good export record, and relatively fixed export channels and end-users may apply for general licenses and other facilitative measures.

Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders operating in China's drone sector should take the following steps to comply with the new controls:

• Classify your products: Determine whether your products fall under the controlled categories by checking the technical specifications and reference customs commodity numbers. Pay attention to definitions such as "endurance," "natural line of sight," and "EIRP."
• Apply for licenses: If your products are controlled, apply for an export license before shipping. For certain items, registration-based self-export may be available.
• Ensure accurate customs declarations: Work with your customs broker to declare the correct characteristics and indicators. Falsely declaring controlled items as uncontrolled can lead to delays and penalties.
• Establish an internal compliance program: A robust compliance program can help you qualify for general licenses and other facilitative measures, streamlining future exports.
• Stay informed: Monitor updates from MOFCOM and customs to ensure ongoing compliance as regulations evolve.

These measures reflect China's commitment to balancing national security with trade facilitation. Foreign founders should integrate these requirements into their export planning to avoid disruptions.

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.