China optimizes, adjusts export control measures for some drone-related items

China has decided to optimize and adjust its export control measures on certain drone-related items, with the new rules taking effect on November 18, 2026, according to a government announcement on Monday.

Items with specified characteristics cannot be exported without a license, said the announcement, which was jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.

These items include autopilots specially designed for unmanned aircraft, some technologies for developing, producing or using unmanned aircraft, some unmanned aircraft or unmanned airships meeting specified characteristics, and engines specially designed for unmanned aircraft or unmanned airships, among others, the announcement noted.

The drone-related items involved have a clear dual-use nature that can be applied for both military and civilian purposes, a spokesperson for the commerce ministry said.

China's move to optimize and adjust the measures in accordance with related laws and regulations aims to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, the spokesperson explained.

China is committed to maintaining the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, and will review relevant export license applications in accordance with laws and regulations. Applications that meet requirements will be approved, the spokesperson said.