China’s drone export controls: Can your camera drone be shipped from China?
Bottom line: A general consumer camera drone usually does not require a Chinese dual-use export licence if it falls below the 9A012/9A501 control thresholds and the exporter neither knows nor should know that it will be used for weapons-of-mass-destruction proliferation, terrorism or military purposes. Stop shipment and ask the mainland Chinese seller or exporter to classify the item, seek an official consultation or apply for a licence whenever specifications are unclear, close to a threshold, include a spreading capacity of 20 L or more, support long-endurance or beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight, carry a special payload, or raise end-user or end-use concerns.
Latest announcement: stricter case-by-case review for exports to the United States from 2026-08-05
Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 34 of 2026 is the latest special announcement on drones. It stipulates that the export of drones, key parts and related technologies included in the "Dual-use Items Export Control List" to the United States will be subject to strict review on a case-by-case basis, and no licensing facilitation measures will be applied.
The announcement is forIncluded in the list of dual-use itemsUAVs, key components and related technologies; the effect of the regulations is to strictly review cases on a case-by-case basis, and no convenience measures shall be used, rather than directly embargoing all consumer aerial drones.
If the final destination and end user are both in Taiwan, the "U.S." regulations of 2026 No. 34 do not directly apply; however, the current list, end use/user and other control lists must still be checked. Taiwan cannot be used as a transit point to avoid the real final destination of the United States.
The drone thresholds of No. 31 of 2024 have been integrated into the unified "Export Control List of Dual-use Items" published in No. 51 of 2024; Announcement No. 31 itself will be abolished as of 2024-12-01. Now you should directly check the list of 9A012, 9A501, and 0A903, and then match it with the 2026 license management catalog.
General Administration of Customs 2026 year 78 No. from 2026-06-30 Implementation covers drones, unmanned airships, related equipment/components and civilian anti-drone systems. It requires clear remarks on scheduled and non-scheduled items that are close to the threshold, filling in complete declaration elements, and disclosing the real consignee and domestic production/sales unit.This is a declaration requirement, and it will not make items originally listed as exempt from licensing, nor does it mean that every ordinary aerial photography drone must apply for a dual-use item license.
One-minute check: follow these 6 steps
1First confirm the real final destination and end user
Don't just look at the delivery address. If it will be transferred to the United States, military and police units, controlled entities or third countries, the real flow must be determined and the middlemen must be exposed.
2Ask the seller/original manufacturer for complete specifications
At least it must include: whether it can fly controllable beyond visual range, maximum endurance time, wind resistance (km/h), maximum launch/range, spreading capacity and whether it can be equipped with a spreading device. Special models require additional load, engine, and communication parameters.
3Compare 9A012, 9A501 and related parts thresholds item by item
Hitting any one of the following does not mean that the item is permanently banned, but rather that it is not allowed to be exported without obtaining an export license for dual-use items. Referring to the HS Code can only assist in customs declaration and cannot replace technical judgment.
4Do end-use/user red flag checks
Even if the complete aircraft is not included in the list, it is not allowed to be exported as long as the exporting party knows or should know that it will be used for weapons of mass destruction proliferation, terrorism or military purposes. If the purpose is ambiguous, the user refuses to be specified, the shipment is abnormal, or the specifications are not commensurate with the purpose, the goods should be discontinued first.
5Determine file path
It is clear that it is not controlled: keep the original specifications and usage information, and follow the normal export and shipping procedures. Clear hit: The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. Unable to determine: First submit a business consultation for dual-use items in the Ministry of Commerce system, and obtain the basis for judgment before shipping.
6Complete export declaration in accordance with General Administration of Customs No. 78
For scheduled items, "Items subject to export control" and the control code are listed in the remarks on the customs declaration form; when they are not listed but the parameters are close, or the technical indicators are met but the prerequisites such as dedicated use are not established, the items shall be noted as "Items not subject to export control" in accordance with the regulations, and technical data will be used to support the determination.
Complete specifications, miss list, normal civilian use, clear end user and destination, and miss control list. This only means that dual-use item approval is generally not required; carriers can still reject lithium batteries due to brand, or route policy.
The seller cannot provide endurance/wind resistance/range/distribution parameters. The models have multiple battery or load configurations, and the specifications are just around the threshold, or they claim that they can be modified with long-endurance, distribution, thermal imaging, radar, and laser.
It has hit the list but does not have a license, the true purpose or user is unknown, requires under-reporting/disassembly to avoid, or may have military, terrorism, or weapons of mass destruction proliferation purposes. Dismantling it into parts does not automatically eliminate regulatory obligations.
How to judge the complete machine: 9A012 and 9A501
The following table rewrites the complete machine threshold of the current "Dual-use Items Export Control List" into an operable question. "And/and" means that the conditions must be met at the same time; "either" means that one of them is met.
| regulatory code | What can members ask? | hit condition |
|---|---|---|
9A012.a.1 | Can it be flown in a controlled manner beyond the natural visual range of the operator? Is the maximum battery life 30–60 minutes? Is it resistant to gusts of at least 46.3 km/h? | It must first be able to fly controllably beyond visual range and have endurance≥30 divided and <60 points, and at the same time can≥46.3 km/hTake off in gusty winds and achieve stable, controllable flight. Only when all three parts are established can this item be hit. |
9A012.a.2 | Is it possible to fly in a controlled manner beyond visual range? Is the maximum battery life at least 60 minutes? | It has controllable flight beyond visual range and a maximum endurance of ≥60 minutes; this model no longer requires 46.3 km/h wind resistance. |
9A501.a | Is the maximum launch/range at least 300 km? | Not controlled by 9A012, and range/range≥300 km. |
9A501.b | Does it have autonomous flight control and navigation? Is an aerosol distribution system of at least 20 L installed or can be added? | Have autonomous flight control and navigation capabilities, and include or be designed/improved to be equipped with a ≥20 L spreading device. |
9A501.c | Can it be controlled by the operator from beyond visual range? Is a distribution system of at least 20 L installed or can be added? | Provides control beyond the operator's line of sight and includes or may be designed/improved to be equipped with a ≥20 L spreading device. |
Models with a flight endurance of 30–60 minutes also need to have controllable flight beyond visual range and 46.3 km/h gust capability. Don’t simplify “battery life for more than 30 minutes” into requiring permission for everything.
The list has exclusion text for some model airplanes/model airplanes specially designed for entertainment or competition, but it does not automatically exclude them if the product page says "toy" or "consumer grade". If the function, refitability or use is close to the control threshold, the exporter should make a determination based on the original manufacturer's information or consult the Ministry of Commerce.
The 2026 license management catalog is 9A012/9A501. The complete machine lists multiple 8806 series reference product numbers, but the official stipulation is that even if the catalog does not list a customs product number, as long as the item actually meets the list description, a license is still required.
Checklist of models on sale in e-commerce: Which ones are usually exportable? Which ones should I apply for first?
The following representative models with 2026-08-23 can still be found in the Chinese brand’s official mall, JD.com/Tmall official portal or the original factory sales page, and have preliminary screening of the original factory’s public specifications. The determination is based on the actual shipping configuration, not just the model name; "normally available for general export" does not mean customs guarantees release.
It must still be used for normal civilian purposes, the end user and destination must be clear, and no distribution, special payloads or modifications to long-endurance/communication equipment must be made.
| Model | Original factory public specifications | preliminary judgment | Next step for membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Neo | Battery life 18 minutes; wind resistance 8 m/s | Usually available for general export | Keep the original specifications and check the purpose, user and declaration No. 78. |
| DJI Avata 2 | Battery life 23 minutes; wind resistance 10.7 m/s | Usually available for general export | Confirmed to be the original complete machine and intended for general immersion flight use. |
| DJI Flip | Battery life 31 minutes; wind resistance 10.7 m/s | Fails to reach wind resistance threshold | Keep the actual battery and original manufacturer specifications. |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | Battery life 34/45 minutes; wind resistance 10.7 m/s | Fails to reach wind resistance threshold | Declare according to actual configuration of standard or long-life battery. |
| DJI Air 3S | Battery life 45 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | Less than 12.86 m/s | Normal civilian shooting can usually take the general exit. |
| DJI Mavic 4 Pro | Battery life 51 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | Less than 12.86 m/s | Verify that no batteries, payloads or communications equipment have been modified. |
| DJI Matrice 4E／4T | Battery life 49 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | The whole machine failed in the initial screening | Also check the actual thermal imaging, laser and other load parameters. |
| DJI Matrice 4D／4TD | Battery life 54 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | The whole machine failed in the initial screening | Dock, payload and remote operation configuration must be provided together. |
| DJI FlyCart 100 | Battery life 14 minutes; range 12 km; wind resistance 12 m/s | Not reaching the threshold of the whole machine | It is confirmed that it is used for lifting and transportation, and a spreading system of more than 20 L is not installed. |
| Autel EVO II Pro V3 | Battery life 40 minutes; wind resistance 10.7 m/s | Usually available for general export | Verify actual version, usage and end users. |
| Autel EVO Max 4T／4N | Battery life 42 minutes; horizontal wind resistance 12 m/s | The whole machine failed in the initial screening | Thermal imaging/laser loads and industry uses will be checked separately. |
| Potensic ATOM 2 | Battery life 32 minutes; wind resistance 10.7 m/s | Usually available for general export | Keep the original factory page and actual package/battery information. |
| FIMI X8 Tele | Battery life 38/47 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | Usually available for general export | Depends on the actual configuration of the standard/long-life battery. |
When you are close to the threshold, the e-commerce page does not have complete parameters, or the same model has modified configurations, you should not let it go based on the seller's verbal statement.
| Model | Original factory public specifications | preliminary judgment | Next step for membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 5 Pro Long Battery Edition | Battery life is 52 minutes; the sales page is not enough to complete the Rafale takeoff determination | Complete the complete technical table first | The exporter is required to provide accurate m/s/km/h wind resistance test data. |
| DJI Matrice 400 | Battery life 59 minutes; wind resistance 12 m/s | Nearly 60 minutes | It is recommended to do business consultation; prepare a non-listed technical description for No. 78 declaration. |
| E-commerce white-label "60-minute battery life" machine | 9A012.a.2 timeline has been reached, other specifications are often missing | Shipment suspended | First obtain the original factory inspection report and confirm the beyond-line-of-sight control capability. |
| Models labeled "7/8 wind resistance + 30 minutes or more" | Wind level is not an accurate exit determination value | Shipment suspended | Obtain proof that it can take off and fly stably in gusts of 46.3 km/h. |
| Install long-lasting battery, 4G image transmission, dispenser or medicine box | The actual configuration is different from the original standard version | Re-check | It will be judged based on the highest endurance, range, wind resistance and distribution capacity after modification. |
This does not mean that the model is permanently banned; it means that exporters from mainland China must first obtain a license. No cross-border export is allowed before the license is approved.
| Model | Original factory public specifications | preliminary judgment | Next step for membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI AGRAS T25／T25P | 20 L spray tank; autonomous operation | hit 9A501.b/c | 20 L just meets the "above" threshold; apply for permission first. |
| DJI AGRAS T50 | 40 L spray tank | hit 9A501.b/c | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
| DJI AGRAS T55 | 50 L spray tank | hit 9A501.b/c | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
| DJI AGRAS T70P | 70 L spray tank | hit 9A501.b/c | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
| DJI AGRAS T100 | 100 L spray tank | hit 9A501.b/c | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
| XAG XAG P150 | 60 L, optional 70 L medicine box; autonomous operation | hit 9A501.b/c | Obtain an export license first and do not send it directly for consolidation. |
| XAG P150 Ultra 2026 | 85 L medicine box; fully autonomous operation | hit 9A501.b/c | Obtain an export license first and do not send it directly for consolidation. |
| Autel Daotong Arowana Standard／Pro | More than 100 minutes of battery life; control beyond line of sight | hit 9A012.a.2 | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
| Autel Daotong Arowana-25 | 210 minutes battery life with load | hit 9A012.a.2 | The exporter from mainland China applies for a license. |
The table only compares the representative configurations disclosed by the original manufacturer. If the seller provides modified long-range battery life, enhanced image transmission, spreading/dropping device, or special sensing load, it must be recalculated based on the actual shipping configuration, and the green light result of the standard version cannot be used.
At least it must achieve maximum endurance, control capabilities outside visual range, take-off/stable flight capabilities under maximum gusts, maximum range, dispersion capacity and refitability. If any key data is missing, the actual export company should first make an item determination or business consultation with the Ministry of Commerce.
Didn't you buy the whole machine? These parts and loads may also be regulated
| Items | Current Thresholds (Summary) | regulatory code |
|---|---|---|
| drone engine | Used for drones/unmanned airships, designed or improved and can be used in 15,420 m Air-breathing piston or rotary internal combustion engines for high-altitude flight as above; or maximum continuous power＞16 kWaircraft engine. | 9A012.b |
| Infrared imaging equipment | dedicated to 9A012.a Regulated drones, wavelength range 780–30,000 nm, and IFOV＜2.5 mrad. | 9A012.c.1 |
| Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) | Designed specifically for use with 9A012.a controlled drones, with range 5 km and resolution better than 0.3 m in strip mode or better than 0.1 m in bunch mode. | 9A012.c.2 |
| target designating laser | It can work stably at temperatures above 55℃ without temperature control, has energy >80 mJ, stability better than 15%, beam divergence <0.3 mrad, and is a dedicated load for controlled drones. | 9A012.c.3 |
| Inertial Measurement Equipment | Specifically used for 9A012.a controlled drones, with heading accuracy <2°, attitude accuracy <0.5°, and resolution <0.1°. | 9A012.c.4 |
| Modified equipment/parts | Equipment or components specifically adapted to convert a manned aircraft or manned airship into a 9A012.a controlled drone/unmanned airship. | 9A012.d |
| radio communication equipment | Specially used for 9A012.a controlled drones, and the radio transmission distance is50 km, or one station can control10 drones. | 9A012.e |
| Civilian anti-drone system | Electronic interference range>5 km; or high-power laser dedicated for anti-drone systems and output power>1.5 kW. | 0A903 |
50 km is the threshold for 9A012.e dedicated radiocommunication equipment, and only if it is used exclusively for 9A012.a regulated drones. The image transmission distance of general product pages should not be determined independently of the conditions.
Six examples: Quickly tell whether to discontinue stocking
| Product condition | preliminary judgment | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial shooting machine, maximum battery life is 28 minutes, no special load, normal personal shooting | Usually misses the above threshold | After confirming the true purpose/user, control list and shipping conditions, usually take the general exit. |
| Controllable beyond line of sight; 35 minutes of battery life; indicated to withstand wind speeds of 38 km/h | The wind resistance conditions of 9A012.a.1 are not simultaneously established | Original factory specifications required; end use/user inspection still required. |
| Controllable beyond visual range; endurance is 35 minutes; can take off and fly stably in gusts above 46.3 km/h | hit 9A012.a.1 | Exporters from mainland China first apply for an export license for dual-use items, and are not allowed to export without approval. |
| Controllable beyond line of sight; 65 minutes of battery life | hit 9A012.a.2 | There is no need to use the wind resistance value to exclude; apply for permission first. |
| Agricultural drone with autonomous navigation and can hold 20 L medicine box | Possible hit 9A501.b | 20 L "just equal to" the threshold is also counted; the exporter shall apply or consult with the complete specifications. |
| Generally, aerial drones miss the parameters, but their real purpose is military reconnaissance. | Not for export | Products not listed on the list are also bound by the end-use clause and cannot be circumvented by changing the product name, disassembling or transferring the product. |
The above is a preliminary screening based on public parameters and does not replace the Ministry of Commerce’s item consultation or licensing decision. When models have different batteries, firmware, payloads and regional versions, they must be judged based on the actual export configuration.
During hit control: What to apply for and what documents to prepare?
The applicant is an export operator from Mainland China, not a Taiwanese recipient, nor a container warehouse applying on behalf of a member. The exporter submits an application for an export license for dual-use items through the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce's business system, and the application is forwarded by the provincial commerce department.
| File/Action | Practical Points |
|---|---|
| Application form for export license of dual-use items | The exporter shall fill in the report in the system; the legal representative or authorized person shall sign and stamp it with the official seal. The information must be completely consistent with the contract and attachments. |
| Contract, agreement or other proof of transaction | The model, quantity, amount, exporter, importer, contract number and date must be consistent; any middlemen or transshipment routes must be stated. |
| Technical description or test report | Item-by-item checklist thresholds. The UAV should at least clearly list the longest endurance, wind resistance (km/h), maximum launch/range, and dispersion device capacity; additional visual range control, payload, engine and communication parameters should be added. |
| End User and End Use Certification | Use the special format for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan; be signed/stamped by the real end user, the foreign language materials are accompanied by Chinese translations, and the description of use must be completely consistent with the application form. |
| Introduction to importers and end users | Including establishment time, address, business scope, main products, scale, website, actual usage scenarios and reasonable quantity; for personal use, truthfully state the identity, purpose and location of use. |
| Identity certificate of the applicant | Including the valid identity information of the legal representative, main business managers and managers. |
| Online delivery + necessary paper copies | Official guidelines require electronic materials to be uploaded first; original end-user/use certificates and signed application forms must still be submitted to the provincial commerce authorities as required. |
Article 17 of the "Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items" stipulates that in principle, a decision will be made within 45 working days from the date of acceptance; time involving major national security implications, identification, expert opinions or on-site verification may not be counted or limited by this period. Individual licenses are valid for up to 1 year and are limited to a single stated end-user and a specific export.
If the exporter is unable to determine, it can submit a dual-use item business consultation on the Ministry of Commerce platform and submit performance indicators, main uses and reasons for uncertainty. Chinese regulations do not require every ordinary consumer aerial camera to obtain a general "non-control certificate"; however, when the customs questions it, the exporter must provide the contract, performance and usage information.
The regulations clearly stipulate that the license cannot be circumvented by modification or disassembly into parts or components. Customs may refuse to release the goods during the period of questioning and identification.
General Administration of Customs No. 78 of 2026: After the license is determined, correct declaration must be made
Announcement No. 78 is effective from 2026-06-30 and applies to unmanned aircraft, unmanned airships and related equipment/components, civil anti-drone systems, etc. It turns "whether it is a controlled item" into information that must be clearly stated during customs declaration and can be verified by documents.
| Export method/circumstances | How should I fill it out or what should I attach? |
|---|---|
| Official "Customs Declaration Form for Export Goods" - a controlled item | In the "Remarks", indicate "Items subject to export control", and list the export control code of the corresponding dual-use item; also fill in the "Prohibited and Restricted Control Identification Code" and "Prohibited and Restricted Control Declaration Elements", and attach the contract, invoice, and technical information. |
| Formal customs declaration/Category express/cross-border e-commerce—not listed but the parameters are close | Mark "Not subject to export control" in the designated remarks column. It also applies to items whose technical indicators appear to be in compliance, but whose purpose premise is not established such as "exclusively used for controlled drones"; the determination must be supported by real technical data. |
| Class C express/cross-border e-commerce declaration list | Fill in the item name, characteristics, usage, etc. accurately in "Others" of "Specifications and Models". Cross-border e-commerce merchants are not allowed to report only the first 4 digits of the tax number, but must declare the complete tax number. |
| All applicable declarations | Fill in the full Chinese or English name of the overseas consignee; for cross-border e-commerce, fill in the "production and sales unit" of the actual manufacturer or sales unit in China, and cannot be replaced by an e-commerce platform or agency. |
| File consistency | The declaration content must be consistent with the contract, invoice, technical data and logistics information. If the customs has any doubts about the authenticity, it may be questioned and the goods will not be released during the questioning period. |
For models that are close to the threshold, the exporter must be able to exclude them one by one using original factory specifications, test reports, usage and configuration instructions. False or inconsistent declarations will increase the risk of doubts and violations.
Sellers are required to confirm before sending to the container warehouse: which domestic company in China is used as the export/production and sales unit, which declaration method is used, whether the technical information is complete, and whether a license has been obtained when listing the goods. Do not wait for the package to arrive at the warehouse before asking for model parameters.
You are a Taiwanese buyer: Ask the seller for these 8 items before placing an order
- Complete model number, actual battery/load/firmware configuration and original factory specifications
- Maximum battery life and test conditions
- Wind resistance (km/h) and whether it can take off in gusts above 46.3 km/h and be stable and controllable
- Whether it is controllable flight beyond visual range, maximum range/range, and radio range transmission distance
- Whether there is a spreading device, its capacity, and whether it is reserved or can be modified for a spreading system of more than 20 L
- Complete parameters of infrared, SAR, target indicating laser, inertial measurement and other payloads
- The name of the actual export company in mainland China, and whether it is willing to apply for a license if it is subject to control
- According to the declaration method adopted by the General Administration of Customs No. 78, complete tax number, domestic production/sales unit and technical information supporting the determination
"Please provide the maximum endurance, wind resistance km/h, maximum range, whether it supports outside line of sight control, dispersion capacity/modifiable capacity, and special load parameters of the actual shipping configuration of this model; and confirm whether it hits China's dual-use item list 9A012 or 9A501. If you cannot determine, please have the actual export company make business consultation with the Ministry of Commerce first, and do not send it to the container warehouse first."
Domestic express delivery can be delivered to the Shenzhen warehouse, which only means that the domestic section of China can be delivered; actual cross-border exports must still be handled by export operators, customs brokers, customs and carriers in accordance with regulations.
If the exporter wants to apply for a license, you usually need to provide real and verifiable end users, end uses, location of use, whether to resell/transfer, and sign a special end user and end use certificate for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. It may not be repurposed or transferred to a third party without permission.
Don’t mix them up: Export control, lithium battery transportation, and Taiwan imports are the three barriers
| level | What are you checking? | Common documents/actions |
|---|---|---|
| China Export Control + Customs Declaration | Whether the list of dual-use items, end-use/user or destination special measures are hit, and whether declaration elements No. 78 are complete | Those who are listed must first obtain an export license for dual-use items and declare the control code; those who are close to the threshold but not listed will note "not an export-controlled item" and retain supporting information. |
| Shipping and Dangerous Goods | Whether lithium batteries are recyclable, how to pack them, and whether they can be shipped by air or sea | Carriers often require UN 38.3 test summary, MSDS/safety information, transportation identification and compliance packaging; the actual battery configuration, Wh, quantity and the carrier's current rules shall prevail. These are not export licenses for dual-use items. |
| Imported from Taiwan | Tariffs, NCC/BSMI, civil aviation registration, sales and operation requirements | Also check Taiwan’s input regulations; 250 g, radio frequency, inspection and usage thresholds are different. China's permission to leave does not mean that Taiwan must be allowed to enter. |
FAQ
Do I need permission if the battery life exceeds 30 minutes?
No. For 9A012.a.1, it must also be capable of controllable flight beyond the natural visual range of the operator, and be able to take off stably and controllably in wind gusts of at least 46.3 km/h. If the battery life reaches more than 60 minutes, please refer to 9A012.a.2, and this wind resistance condition is no longer required.
If I only buy one for personal use, is it exempt?
The current list and regulations do not automatically exempt dual-use items from permission just because they are "one unit, for personal use, express delivery or consolidated transportation". Whether to control it or not depends on the technical conditions, purpose, user and destination of the item.
Does China ban the export of all drones?
No. Items that hit the list must first apply for a permit; drones that are not on the list can usually be exported through general exports if they do not have high-risk uses listed in the blanket clauses. The measures against the United States in 2026 will also strictly review the listed items, not a comprehensive embargo on all consumer aerial photography drones.
Why are agricultural plant protection machines particularly prone to requiring licenses?
If it has autonomous flight control/navigation or beyond visual range control capabilities, and contains or can be equipped with an aerosol distribution system with a capacity of more than 20 L, it may hit 9A501.b/c. 20 L itself has reached the "above" threshold.
I checked HS 8806 and it doesn’t show control, can I send it?
You can’t rely on HS alone. The official 2026 license management catalog clearly stipulates that regardless of whether the customs commodity number is listed, as long as the actual item conforms to the list description, the license should be processed in accordance with the law.
Who can apply for an export license for dual-use items from China?
Export operators in mainland China apply through the Ministry of Commerce system and report it to the provincial commerce authorities. Taiwanese buyers are responsible for providing real end users/purposes and related information, and cannot replace Chinese export licenses with documents they apply to Taiwan authorities.
The seller says no license is required, what proof do I need?
At least the original manufacturer's specifications and the written judgment basis from the seller/actual exporter are required, and the content must be able to compare control beyond visual range, endurance, wind resistance, range, spreading capacity and load. If the information is incomplete or close to the threshold, the exporter should first consult the Ministry of Commerce.
If my model is listed on the green light list, can it be exported?
No. The green light only means that the listed original manufacturer representative configuration usually misses the 9A012/9A501 complete machine threshold according to the public parameters; it is still necessary to check the actual battery, firmware, load, modification, end use, end user, destination, control list and Customs No. 78 declaration.
Do ordinary consumer aerial photography drones also need to be noted at the customs as “not an export controlled item”?
Announcement No. 78 clearly requires this remark for goods that are "not subject to control, but have similar characteristics and other indicators" or "meet the characteristics and indicators but the prerequisites for use are not established." Ordinary models that are not close to the threshold at all must still truthfully fill in the complete declaration elements, consignee and production/sales unit; whether such specific remarks are needed should be judged by the actual exporter based on the condition of the goods and the declaration method.
Can I definitely send it to Taiwan with permission?
Not necessarily. Export licenses only deal with China's export controls; lithium battery shipping rules and Taiwan's NCC, BSMI, civil aviation and import regulations must still be complied with respectively.
Official sources and verified versions
The following are all official information from the Ministry of Commerce of China or the Chinese government. This article uses the unified list and the 2026 license management catalog as the current basis for determination; 2024 No. 31 is only used to explain the evolution of the rules.
- Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 34 of 2026: Strengthening export control of drone-related dual-use items to the United States (effective on 2026-08-05)
- Announcement No. 51 of 2024 of the Ministry of Commerce and others: "The Export Control List of Dual-use Items of the People's Republic of China"
- The current "Export Control List of Dual-use Items of the People's Republic of China" PDF (9A012, 9A501, 0A903)
- Official PDF of the 2026 "Catalogue for the Administration of Import and Export Licenses for Dual-Use Items and Technologies"
- Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs 2025 No. 91: Announcement of the 2026 License Management Catalog
- General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 78 of 2026: Standardizing the Export Declaration of UAVs and Related Items (Effective on 2026-06-30)
- "Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China" (official full text of China National People's Congress website)
- "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Items" (State Council Order No. 792)
- Ministry of Commerce: Dual-use item export license application filing guide, material self-inspection and business consultation
- Ministry of Commerce Government Services: Import and Export Approval of Dual-Use Items and Technologies
- China Export Control Information Network: Dual-use Items Export Control List Database
- Drone Announcement No. 31 of 2024 (repeated on 2024-12-01, the content has been integrated into the unified list)
- Ministry of Commerce 2026-07-03 Official reply to doubts about 9A012.e: Business consultation should be made when uncertain
This article is a compilation of regulatory information and is not an identification of individual items or legal advice from the Ministry of Commerce. Depending on the drone model, configuration, end user, purpose and flow direction, the conclusions may be different; before official shipment, the actual export operators in mainland China should handle the matter in accordance with the current list, announcements and responses from the competent authorities. Our own warehouses are Shenzhen Consolidation Warehouse and Taoyuan Operation Warehouse. We do not handle export licenses for dual-use items in China, nor do we issue non-control certifications on behalf of exporters.
We need to check next step
Clearing China export controls is only the first step
Next, check Taiwan tariff rules, NCC/BSMI requirements, civil aviation registration and carrier conditions.
Check Taiwan’s import regulations first