The Ministry of Commerce of China announced this Monday a new package of measures aimed at "optimizing and adjusting" the control regime over the exports of certain products related to unmanned aerial vehicles. These provisions, which will take effect from the next November 18, aim to "safeguard national security and interests."
From that date, exporting companies will have to process a specific license in accordance with the provisions of the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items, before being able to send the affected equipment abroad.
In an appearance before the media, a spokesperson for the Ministry explained that the authorities will evaluate export license applications following the current regulations, giving the green light only to those that meet the established criteria. At the same time, he emphasized that Beijing aims to ensure the security and stability of industrial and supply chains on a global scale.
"This fully reflects China's firm opposition to the illegal use of drones for non-peaceful purposes, while strongly supporting Chinese companies in international trade and cooperation in the civil drone sector," he stated.
The government representative added that China is open to maintaining contacts and consultations with the countries and actors involved in export control, using bilateral dialogue and exchange mechanisms specifically on this issue.
According to the information released by the Ministry of Commerce, the drones included in the new regulatory framework are dual-use and have a maximum autonomy ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Among the technical specifications of the unmanned aerial vehicles subject to these restrictions are a battery life of up to 3 hours and a minimum range of 300 km, in addition to capabilities for autonomous flight control and navigation. It is also contemplated that they incorporate a system or device for dispensing aerosols with a capacity greater than 80 liters, or the possibility of being equipped with one of these characteristics.
Finally, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced that, also starting from November 18, the export control regulations applicable to equipment related to tunnel boring machines and dredgers will be reviewed and adjusted, thus extending the regulatory reinforcement to other sensitive-use products.