China has officially released the Export License Management Goods Catalogue (2026), clarifying the scope of goods that require an export licence before leaving the country. The catalogue was jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs on December 30, 2025.
The updated catalogue aims to strengthen export control administration, ensure compliance with domestic trade laws, and fulfil China’s international obligations.
Legal Basis for the Catalogue
The 2026 catalogue is issued in accordance with several key laws and international commitments, including:
- Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China
- Regulations on the Administration of Goods Export Licences
- Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China
- Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
- Other relevant export control and trade regulations
These legal foundations ensure that export licensing requirements are applied consistently across regulated goods.
Scope of Export-Controlled Goods
Under the 2026 catalogue, 43 categories of goods are subject to export licence management. Exporters of listed items must obtain a People’s Republic of China Export Licence before customs clearance.
The catalogue covers a broad range of products, including:
- Quota-managed agricultural goods
- Petroleum and petroleum-related products
- Ozone-depleting substances
- Certain chemical products and special materials
- Other goods subject to national export controls
Export Licensing Requirements
The announcement outlines several important compliance obligations:
- Mandatory licensing: Goods listed in the catalogue cannot be exported without a valid export licence.
- Quota-controlled exports: Certain goods require quota certificates or successful bidding documentation in addition to an export licence.
- Processing trade exports: Exports under processing trade arrangements must follow specific licence and contract filing procedures.
- Border and small-scale trade: Limited exports may be permitted under provincial licence allocation rules, subject to quotas.
Implications for Exporters
Companies engaged in exporting regulated goods should:
- Review whether their products fall within the 2026 catalogue
- Apply for export licences in advance through MOFCOM or authorised local authorities
- Ensure licence details are consistent with customs declarations
- Closely monitor annual updates to export control catalogues
Failure to comply may result in customs delays, penalties, or enforcement actions.
Effective Date
The 2026 Export License Management Goods Catalogue took effect immediately upon publication on December 30, 2025. Exporters are expected to align their compliance processes with the updated requirements without delay.
Source: China Publishes 2026 Export License Management Catalogue
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