Export controlsChina
China to Control Exports of Tunnel Boring Machines, Some Excavators and Shotcrete Machines from 18 November 2026
China will put export controls on tunnel boring machines, certain walking excavators and high-altitude wet shotcrete machines, with their parts and technology, from 18 November 2026. Exports to some destinations will need a licence.
Catch-up: this announcement was published on 19 October 2026 and takes effect on 18 November 2026.
What changed
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GACC) issued Announcement No. 50 of 2026 on 19 October 2026. It places export controls on three groups of items and on their parts and technology: full-face tunnel boring machines (items 2B906, 2A906, 2E906), certain walking excavators (2B904, 2E904) and high-altitude wet shotcrete machines (2B903, 2A903, 2E903). The announcement states: "本公告自2026年11月18日起正式实施。" (Unofficial translation: "This announcement formally takes effect from 18 November 2026.")
Which machines are covered
Walking excavators are controlled only if they meet at least one threshold: vertical obstacle height over 1.2 m, wading depth over 1.5 m, trench width over 3 m, or slope climbing over 40°. Wet shotcrete machines are controlled only if they are for use above 3,000 m altitude and meet all listed specifications, including engine power over 75 kW and torque over 680 N·m. Not all excavators or shotcrete machines are covered. The Chinese customs codes in the announcement are given as reference codes only. Scope is set by the technical descriptions.
Who it affects
Exporters of these items from China, foreign buyers and contractors that source them, and organisations outside China that re-transfer Chinese-origin items.
What exporters should do
- Check products against the technical descriptions before 18 November 2026.
- Exports to "sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China" need a MOFCOM licence. The announcement does not list these countries. Exports elsewhere need an export certificate obtained by registering information.
- On customs declarations, mark controlled items "属于两用物项" ("dual-use item", unofficial translation) with the control code. Mark near-threshold items "不属于管制物项" ("not a controlled item", unofficial translation) and give their parameters. Customs may hold goods while it queries a declaration.
All English renderings of the Chinese text are unofficial translations.
Source: MOFCOM and GACC, Announcement No. 50 of 2026 (商务部 海关总署公告2026年第50号), 19 Oct 2026 (Chinese only).
