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China Adds Tunneling Machines, Walking Excavators and High-Altitude Spray Machines to Export Control List: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
China's MOFCOM and Customs Administration Announcement No. 50 of 2026 places tunnel boring machines, walking excavators and high-altitude wet spraying machines under export control from November 18, 2026. Here is a practical breakdown for foreign founders operating in China.
New Export Controls Announced for Construction and Tunneling Equipment
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs have jointly issued Announcement No. 50 of 2026, which subjects a defined set of construction and tunneling equipment to export control. The measure is issued under the Export Control Law, the Foreign Trade Law, the Customs Law and the Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items, and it states that the purpose is to safeguard national security and interests. The announcement was published on October 19, 2026, with the issuing body identified as the Bureau of Security and Control, and it takes effect on November 18, 2026. The consolidated dual-use export control list is being updated at the same time.
For foreign founders whose China-based companies manufacture, trade or re-export heavy machinery, the announcement is a reminder that product classification and customs declaration accuracy now carry direct operational consequences. The rules do not ban exports outright; they create a licensing and registration framework that depends on the destination and on the technical characteristics of the goods.
What Is Covered: Three Product Categories
1. Tunnel Boring and Tunneling Machines
The first category covers full-face tunnel boring machines under control code 2B906. This includes earth pressure balance shield machines, slurry shield machines and other shield types, as well as open-type, single-shield and double-shield rock tunnel boring machines and other rock tunneling machines. The referenced customs commodity code for these items is 8430313010.
The announcement also controls parts specially designed for the machines above under code 2A906: cutter heads and cutting tools, screw conveyors, segment erectors, and the main drive system together with other key units. Reference customs codes listed include 8431499910, 8428310010 and 8479899959. Remanufacturing technology specially designed for these controlled items or parts is captured under code 2E906.
2. Walking Excavators
The second category covers walking excavators under code 2B904, with reference customs code 8429521920, where any one of four thresholds is met: the machine can cross vertical obstacles higher than 1.2 m; wading depth exceeds 1.5 m; it can cross trenches wider than 3 m; or it can climb slopes steeper than 40 degrees on foot. The announcement defines a walking excavator as machinery that uses combined movements of its working device, outriggers or wheels to move itself, enabling multifunctional excavation across general terrain.
Electro-hydraulic proportional control technology for hydraulic systems specially designed for these controlled excavators is separately listed under code 2E904.
3. High-Altitude Wet Spraying Machines
The third category covers high-altitude wet spraying machines under code 2B903, with reference customs code 8479109010, intended for use above 3,000 m elevation and meeting all of the following characteristics: engine maximum power above 75 kW and torque above 680 N·m; motor maximum power above 55 kW; pumping system suction efficiency above 95 percent; air compressor displacement above 15 m³/min; and low-temperature hydraulic oil usable in hydraulic systems at minus 20°C. The announcement describes these machines as equipment that conveys mixed material such as concrete to a nozzle and sprays it onto the working face by adding air and accelerating agent.
Parts specially designed for these machines are controlled under code 2A903 and include high-altitude engines above 75 kW and 680 N·m, engine auxiliary oxygen supply devices, high-altitude motors above 55 kW, two-stage compressors above 15 m³/min, high-altitude chassis and folding arms. Reference customs codes include 8408909240, 8408909330, 8421399030, 8501520020, 8501530020, 8414804110 and 8479909030. Hydraulic and pumping technology specially designed for these machines falls under code 2E903.
Licensing, Registration and Destination Rules
Exporters shipping the listed items to sensitive countries and regions that have disputes with China must apply to the competent commerce department under the State Council for a license, in line with the Export Control Law and the dual-use regulations. Without a license, such exports are prohibited. Exports to all other destinations worldwide are handled through information registration to obtain an export certificate. Under this route, both the exporter and the end user must undertake not to transfer or provide China-origin controlled items to countries and regions in dispute with China without authorization.
The announcement also reaches beyond China's borders: organizations and individuals outside China may not transfer or provide China-origin controlled items to sensitive countries and regions in dispute with China without a license.
Customs Declaration Obligations for Founders
Exporters are responsible for the truthfulness of declared goods and must strengthen identification of controlled items. Where goods are controlled, the remarks column of the customs declaration must state that the item is a dual-use item and list the applicable dual-use export control code. Where goods are not controlled but their parameters, indicators or performance are close to the thresholds, the remarks column must state that the item is not controlled and set out the specific parameters and indicators.
If customs has doubts about the completeness, accuracy or truthfulness of the declared information, it will raise questions in accordance with the law, and the goods will not be released during that questioning period. For founders, this makes technical documentation, parameter records and internal classification procedures essential rather than optional.
Practical Takeaways
- Check your product against the thresholds. The walking excavator and wet spraying machine categories are defined by measurable performance limits, so engineering specifications matter as much as product names.
- Confirm customs codes. The announcement provides reference commodity codes for each controlled item and part.
- Build a destination screening process. Licensing applies to sensitive destinations, while other destinations require registration and end-user undertakings.
- Train staff on declaration wording. The required remarks differ for controlled items and for near-threshold items.
- Note the effective date. The measure applies from November 18, 2026, when the dual-use control list is also updated.
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.