Archive photo: VCG

China on Saturday issued new regulations on controlling exports of dual-use goods, which will take effect on December 1, 2024. The rules aim to maintain international peace and balance high-quality development with a high level of security .

Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to introduce the regulations, which includes six chapters and 50 articles. The rules stipulate that exports and related activities of dual-use goods must comply with laws and regulations, ensuring that they do not compromise national security and interests. The regulations apply to dual-use items and other goods related to national security, proliferation prevention and international obligations.

On the same day, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) clarified that the regulations would not hinder normal international scientific exchanges or economic cooperation. They stressed that export controls do not constitute an export ban, emphasizing China’s intention to maintain a stable and predictable regulatory environment for trade in these products.

The new rules establish a permit system for the export of dual-use goods, including a list of restricted goods. The regulations will abolish the existing registration system for exporters of dual-use goods, thereby strengthening the transparency and standardization of export control policies and improving control measures throughout the industrial chain.

The rules also include specific guidelines for licensing management, a checklist and monitoring measures for exports of dual-use items.

Dual-use goods refer to goods, technologies and services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This includes those who could contribute to the development or deployment of weapons.

The MOJ and MOFCOM emphasized that the inappropriate use of dual-use items could pose a threat to international security. They noted that major regions and countries around the world were adopting strict legislative measures to regulate the export of these goods and technologies. Regulations align with international standards, supporting safe business practices without hindering global supply chains or cooperation in scientific and economic activities.

Before that, China had established guidelines for trade in dual-use items. The Ministry of Commerce has updated a catalog of dual-use items and technologies subject to import and export licensing administration in December 2023.

World Time