China’s 2026 Import and Export License Catalogue Takes Effect

China has officially implemented the 2026 Catalog of Goods Subject to Import License Administration and the 2026 Catalog of Goods Subject to Export License Administration, effective January 1, 2026. The catalogues were jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs.

The updated catalogues replace the previous 2024 versions and clarify licensing requirements for regulated goods entering or leaving China.

Regulatory Basis and Policy Background

The 2026 catalogues are formulated in accordance with China’s key foreign trade and regulatory frameworks, including:

• Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China
• Regulations on the Administration of Import and Export of Goods
• Measures for the Administration of Import Licenses for Goods
• Measures for the Administration of Export Licenses for Goods
• Regulations on the Administration of Ozone-Depleting Substances

These measures aim to strengthen import and export supervision and ensure compliance with domestic and international obligations.

Export License Management: Important Highlights

Under the 2026 Export License Administration Catalogue, 43 categories of goods are subject to export licence requirements. Exporters must obtain a People’s Republic of China Export License from MOFCOM or authorised local commerce authorities before customs clearance.

Major Licensing Scenarios

• Quota or bidding-managed exports:
  Certain agricultural products, energy products, and raw materials require export licences supported by quota certificates or successful bid documents.
• Border small-scale trade:
  Goods exported through border trade channels may require licences issued by provincial commerce authorities based on allocated quotas.
• Regulated goods:
  Items such as live animals, specific metals, petroleum products, and ozone-depleting substances are subject to standard export licence controls.
• Dual-use items:
  Goods listed in both the export licence catalogue and the Dual-Use Items Export Control List must comply with dual-use export control requirements.
• Exemptions:
  Goods exported under Chinese government foreign aid programmes are exempt from export licence administration.

Export Licence Usage Rules

The 2026 catalogue distinguishes between two licence management models:

• One licence for multiple shipments:
  Applicable to selected goods such as grains, livestock products, coal, crude oil, and vehicles under processing or compensation trade.
• One licence for one shipment:
  Applicable to ozone-depleting substances, used vehicles, and natural sand, where each licence corresponds to a single customs declaration.

Import License Management Requirements

The 2026 Import License Administration Catalogue, effective from January 1, 2026, lists 14 categories of goods requiring import licences. These include ozone-depleting substances and certain used mechanical and electrical products.

Importers must obtain a People’s Republic of China Import License before customs clearance for listed goods.

Designated Licensing Authorities

Import and export licence issuance and administration are handled by:

• Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)
• Entrusted provincial commerce departments
• Commerce authorities in designated cities authorised to process licence applications

Compliance Implications for Businesses

Enterprises involved in international trade should:

• Review whether their products fall under the 2026 import or export licence catalogues
• Apply for licences well in advance of shipment
• Ensure licence details align with customs declarations
• Monitor future adjustments to licence management catalogues

Effective Date

Both the 2026 Import License Management Catalogue and the 2026 Export License Management Catalogue have been in force since January 1, 2026. Companies are expected to align their compliance systems accordingly to avoid customs delays or enforcement risks.

Source: China 2026 Import-Export List