China on Saturday released new regulations on the export control of dual-use items, set to take effect on December 1, 2024. The rules aim to maintain international peace and balance high-quality development with high-level security.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to introduce the regulations, which comprise six chapters and 50 articles. The rules state that the exports and related activities of dual-use items must comply with laws and regulations, ensuring they do not compromise national security and interests. The regulations apply to dual-use items and other goods related to national security, prevention of proliferation, and international obligations.
On the same day, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) clarified that the regulations would not obstruct normal international scientific exchanges or economic cooperation. They stressed that export control is not an export ban, emphasizing China’s intent to maintain a stable and predictable regulatory environment for trade of these items.
The newly issued rules establish a permit system for the export of dual-use items, including a list of restricted goods. The regulations will abolish existing registration system for exporters of dual-use items, enhancing the transparency and standardization of export control policies, and improving control measures across the industry chain.
The rules also include specific guidelines for license management, a control list, and supervision measures for dual-use item exports.
Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies, and services that may serve both civilian and military purposes. This includes those that could contribute to the development or deployment of weapons.
The MOJ and MOFCOM highlighted that the inappropriate use of dual-use items could pose threats to international security. They noted that major global regions and countries adopt strict legislative measures to regulate the export of such goods and technologies. The regulations align with international norms, supporting secure trade practices without hindering global supply chains or cooperation in scientific and economic activities.
Prior to this, China had established guidelines for dual-use items’ trade. The Ministry of Commerce updated a catalogue of dual-use items and technologies subject to import and export license administration in December 2023.
GT
