Published by ChinaMNC · Minqin

China Adds Tunnel Boring Machines, Walking Excavators, and Plateau Wet Sprayers to Export Control List

China's MOFCOM and GAC Announcement No. 50 of 2026 imposes export controls on tunnel boring machines, walking excavators, and plateau wet sprayers, effective November 18, 2026. Foreign founders operating in China must understand licensing and customs requirements.

New Export Controls on Construction Equipment

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GAC) have issued Announcement No. 50 of 2026, placing new export controls on specific types of tunnel boring machines, walking excavators, and plateau wet sprayers. The measure, approved by the State Council, takes effect on November 18, 2026, and 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 companies manufacture, trade, or use such equipment in China, this development requires attention to licensing and customs procedures.

The announcement updates the Dual-Use Items Export Control List accordingly. The controlled items are identified by control codes (2B906, 2A906, 2E906, 2B904, 2E904, 2B903, 2A903, 2E903) and reference customs commodity numbers. Below is a summary of what is covered and what exporters need to do.

Controlled Items

Tunnel Boring Machines and Related Items

Control code 2B906 covers full-face tunnel boring machines, including earth pressure balance shield machines, slurry shield machines, and other types of shield machines (HS code 8430313010). It also includes open-type, single-shield, double-shield rock tunnel boring machines, and other rock tunnel boring machines (HS code 8430313010).

Control code 2A906 covers parts specially designed for the above machines: cutter heads (HS 8431499910), screw conveyors (HS 8428310010), segment erectors (HS 8479899959), and main drive systems and other key units (HS 8431499910).

Control code 2E906 covers remanufacturing technology specially designed for items controlled under 2A906 or 2B906.

Walking Excavators and Related Items

Control code 2B904 covers walking excavators with any of the following characteristics: ability to cross vertical obstacles over 1.2 m; wading depth over 1.5 m; ability to cross trenches wider than 3 m; and walking climbing gradient over 40 degrees (HS code 8429521920). A technical note defines a walking excavator as machinery that uses combined actions of working equipment, outriggers, or wheels to achieve self-propulsion for multifunctional excavation on all-terrain surfaces.

Control code 2E904 covers electro-hydraulic proportional control technology for hydraulic systems specially designed for items under 2B904.

Plateau Wet Sprayers and Related Items

Control code 2B903 covers plateau wet sprayers for use above 3,000 m altitude that have 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 for the hydraulic system (HS code 8479109010). A technical note defines a plateau wet sprayer as equipment that conveys mixed materials (such as concrete) to a nozzle in plateau areas, adds air and accelerator, and sprays the material onto the working surface.

Control code 2A903 covers parts specially designed for 2B903 items: plateau-type engines with maximum power over 75 kW and torque over 680 N·m (HS 8408909240, 8408909330); engine auxiliary oxygen supply devices (HS 8421399030); plateau-type motors with maximum power over 55 kW (HS 8501520020, 8501530020); two-stage air compressors with displacement over 15 m³/min (HS 8414804110); plateau-type chassis (HS 8479909030); and folding arms (HS 8479909030).

Control code 2E903 covers hydraulic and pumping technology specially designed for 2B903 items.

Licensing and Export Procedures

Exporters intending to ship the controlled items to sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China must apply for a license from the State Council's commerce department in accordance with the Export Control Law and the Dual-Use Items Regulations. Without a license, exports to such destinations are prohibited.

For exports to other countries and regions worldwide, exporters can obtain an export voucher by registering and filling in the required information. Both the exporter and the end user must commit that, without a license, they will not transfer or provide the China-origin controlled items to countries and regions that have disputes with China. 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 Requirements

Exporters are responsible for the authenticity of declared goods and must strengthen the identification of export items. If an item is controlled, the remarks column of the customs declaration must state "belongs to dual-use items" and list the dual-use item export control code. If an item is not controlled but its parameters, indicators, or performance are close to those of controlled items, the remarks column must state "does not belong to dual-use items" and provide the specific parameters and indicators. If customs has doubts about the completeness, accuracy, or authenticity of the declared information, it will raise questions according to law, and the export goods will not be released during the questioning period.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders with manufacturing or trading operations in China that involve construction equipment should review their product lines against the controlled items and parameters listed above. If your company exports any of the covered machines, parts, or technologies, you may need to obtain a license for certain destinations or complete registration for other exports. It is advisable to verify the control status of your products and ensure that customs declarations are accurate and complete. Given the potential for customs questions and shipment delays, maintaining thorough documentation and internal compliance procedures is prudent.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.