China Adds 40 AI, Biomed, Photovoltaic Technologies to Export Controls
MOFCOM and MOST expand dual‑use export restrictions on key tech sectors.
On October 16, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology issued Announcement No. 48, expanding its dual‑use export control regime by adding 40 new technologies in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and photovoltaics. The addition broadens the scope of items requiring licenses, signalling tighter scrutiny of high‑tech exports to foreign entities and countries deemed strategically sensitive. Firms—especially those dealing with AI hardware/software, biopharmaceutical research equipment, and advanced solar modules—must re‑evaluate existing licenses, assess end‑user restrictions, and map supply chains for affected components. Clients should consider redesigning product architectures to avoid controlled tech and stay alert for further Chinese guidance. Affected firms should also contemplate engaging Chinese trade experts to navigate potential new licensing requirements and maintain compliance throughout export documentation cycles. This regulatory shift could reshape export flows, prompt new compliance measures, and trigger enforcement action.