MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on Optimizing and Adjusting Export Control Measures for Drone-Related Items

MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on Optimizing and Adjusting Export Control Measures for Drone-Related Items On October 19, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the optimization and adjustment of export control measures for drone-related items. The MOFCOM spokesperson stated that the drone-related items involved in these measures have obvious dual-use characteristics for both military and civilian purposes. China has optimized and adjusted the relevant measures in accordance with laws and regulations, with the aim of safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation. At the same time, 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. China will approve applications that comply with the regulations. China is willing, through bilateral export control dialogue and exchange mechanisms, to engage in communication and dialogue with relevant parties on export control policies and practices, while listening to opinions and suggestions from all sides, further earnestly fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation, and actively promoting and facilitating compliant trade. The original text is as follows: MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on Optimizing and Adjusting Export Control Measures for Drone-Related Items Q: On October 19, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant departments, jointly issued an announcement to optimize and adjust export control measures for drone-related items. What are the considerations behind this? A: In accordance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws and regulations, on October 19, the Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant departments, issued an announcement on optimizing and adjusting export control measures for drone-related items. The relevant measures will officially take effect on November 18. Previously, we had notified relevant countries and regions that have established export control dialogue mechanisms with China. The drone-related items involved in these measures have obvious dual-use characteristics for both military and civilian purposes. China has optimized and adjusted the relevant measures in accordance with laws and regulations, with the aim of safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation. At the same time, 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. China will approve applications that comply with the regulations. Dynamically adjusting export control measures is a common international practice. In recent years, the global drone industry and technology have developed rapidly, and some products that were previously advanced are now mass consumer products. In the process of implementing export control measures, China has actively listened to opinions and suggestions from all sides and, after careful assessment, promptly optimized and adjusted the relevant measures. This optimization and adjustment of drone export control measures is based on the latest industry and technological developments reflected by the industry, which fully reflects China's firm opposition to the illegal use of drones for non-peaceful purposes, while firmly supporting Chinese enterprises in conducting international trade and cooperation in drones in the civilian field. China is willing, through bilateral export control dialogue and exchange mechanisms, to engage in communication and dialogue with relevant parties on export control policies and practices, while listening to opinions and suggestions from all sides, further earnestly fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation, and actively promoting and facilitating compliant trade. This article is excerpted from the official website of the Ministry of Commerce. Edited by GMTEight: Xu Wenqiang.