China to require permits for some drone and machinery exports

China on Monday announced revised export controls on drones and key components, alongside restrictions on specialised construction machinery destined for countries and regions that have disputes with Beijing, Anadolu Agency reported.

The measures will take effect on Nov. 18, according to two announcements by China’s Commerce Ministry, which cited national security and interests.

The drone rules, issued jointly with customs authorities and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, require authorisation for exports of items that meet specified technical criteria.

Items covered include autopilots designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), certain engines, and drones or unmanned airships capable of controlled flight beyond the operator’s visual range for at least three hours.

The controls also cover certain aircraft with shorter endurance, UAVs with a range of at least 300 kilometres (186 miles), communications equipment, motors, propeller blades, software and related technologies.

Simplified procedures will be available for specified shipments, including qualifying exports for exhibitions. Companies with effective internal compliance systems may be eligible for general licences.

A separate announcement covers tunnel boring machines, certain walking excavators and high-altitude wet shotcrete machines used to spray concrete, as well as specified components and technologies.

Exports of the machinery to sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China will require licences. Shipments to other destinations will be subject to a registration-based export certification procedure.

Exporters and end users must undertake not to transfer covered Chinese-origin items to countries and regions that have disputes with China without authorisation. Overseas organisations and individuals are also prohibited from making unauthorised transfers to sensitive destinations.

The machinery controls include shield and rock tunnel boring machines, cutting tools, cutterheads and main drive systems.

Walking excavators are covered if they exceed specified thresholds for crossing obstacles or trenches, wading through water or climbing slopes.

The shotcrete provisions apply to machines designed for use above 3,000 metres (9,843 feet) that meet specified technical criteria, as well as certain components and hydraulic and pumping technologies.

China’s dual-use export control list will be updated when the measures enter into force.