Published by ChinaMNC · Gangbei
China Adds Tunneling Machines, Walking Excavators, and High-Altitude Wet Sprayers to Export Control List: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
China's MOFCOM and GAC Announcement No. 50 of 2026 imposes export controls on specified tunnel boring machines, walking excavators, and high-altitude wet sprayers, effective November 18, 2026. Foreign founders operating in China must understand licensing, registration, and customs declaration obligations.
China Expands Export Controls on Construction Equipment
On October 19, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GAC) issued Announcement No. 50 of 2026, introducing export controls on certain tunnel boring machines, walking excavators, and high-altitude wet sprayers. The measure, approved by the State Council and effective November 18, 2026, is based on the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law, and Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items. For foreign founders whose Chinese companies manufacture or trade these items, the announcement creates new compliance requirements for exports.
Controlled Items at a Glance
The controls cover three categories of equipment and related parts, technologies, and software. The following summarizes the scope based on the official announcement.
1. Tunnel Boring Machines (2B906, 2A906, 2E906)
Full-face tunnel boring machines are controlled, including earth pressure balance shields, slurry shields, and other shield types, as well as open-type, single-shield, and double-shield rock tunnel boring machines and other rock TBMs. The reference customs commodity code for these machines is 8430313010.
Components specially designed for controlled TBMs are also controlled: cutterheads and tools (code 8431499910), screw conveyors (8428310010), segment erectors (8479899959), and main drive systems and other key units (8431499910). Remanufacturing technology specially designed for these items is controlled under 2E906.
2. Walking Excavators (2B904, 2E904)
Walking excavators with any of the following characteristics are controlled: ability to cross vertical obstacles higher than 1.2 meters; wading depth greater than 1.5 meters; ability to cross trenches wider than 3 meters; or walking climbing grade exceeding 40 degrees. The reference customs code is 8429521920. The announcement defines a walking excavator as machinery that uses combined actions of working equipment, outriggers, or wheels to achieve self-propulsion for multi-functional excavation on all-terrain surfaces. Hydraulic system electro-hydraulic proportional control technology specially designed for these excavators is controlled under 2E904.
3. High-Altitude Wet Sprayers (2B903, 2A903, 2E903)
High-altitude wet sprayers for use above 3,000 meters altitude are controlled if they meet all of the following: engine maximum power over 75 kW and torque over 680 N·m; motor maximum power over 55 kW; pumping system suction efficiency above 95%; air compressor displacement over 15 m³/min; and low-temperature hydraulic oil usable at -20°C. The reference customs code is 8479109010.
Parts specially designed for these sprayers are controlled: high-altitude engines with max power over 75 kW and torque over 680 N·m (codes 8408909240, 8408909330); engine auxiliary oxygen supply devices (8421399030); high-altitude motors with max power over 55 kW (8501520020, 8501530020); two-stage air compressors with displacement over 15 m³/min (8414804110); high-altitude chassis (8479909030); and folding arms (8479909030). Hydraulic and pumping technology specially designed for these sprayers is controlled under 2E903.
Licensing and Export Procedures
Exporters must obtain a license from the State Council's commerce department before exporting any controlled item to sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China. Without a license, such exports are prohibited.
For exports to other countries and regions worldwide, exporters must obtain an export voucher by registering and submitting information. Both the exporter and the end user must commit not to transfer or provide China-origin controlled items to countries or regions with disputes with China without a license. Organizations and individuals outside China are also prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin controlled items to such sensitive destinations without a license.
Customs Declaration Obligations
Exporters are responsible for the authenticity of customs declarations and must strengthen the identification of export items. If an item is controlled, the exporter must note "dual-use item" in the remarks column of the customs declaration and specify the dual-use export control code. If an item is not controlled but its parameters, indicators, or performance are close to controlled thresholds, the exporter must note "not a controlled item" and provide the specific parameters and indicators.
If customs has doubts about the completeness, accuracy, or authenticity of the declared information, it will raise a query according to law. During the query period, the export goods will not be released.
Implications for Foreign Founders
Foreign founders with Chinese companies involved in the manufacture, trade, or export of construction equipment should review their product lines against the controlled items and parameters. Companies exporting to sensitive destinations must plan for license applications, while exports elsewhere require registration and end-user commitments. Accurate customs declarations are essential to avoid delays. The control list in China's dual-use export control catalogue will be updated accordingly on the effective date.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.
For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.