Companies involved in the export of controlled goods from China—especially dual-use items—must comply with China’s Export Control Law and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items. These regulations require exporters to get an export control license before any controlled items leave China.
Navigating China’s export control license application
Important
The application must be submitted by the Chinese exporter, not the foreign buyer or end-user.
Where to apply
Before exporting any controlled items—including technologies and services with potential military applications—a Chinese company must apply for an export license through the official platform managed by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) (in Chinese only). This platform handles submissions, reviews, and amendments for export licensing procedures.
Types of export licenses
China offers several types of licenses depending on the nature and frequency of export activity. No application fees are required.
- Single-item licenses
- Valid for up to one year
- May be extended once, only if the extension occurs before March 31 of the following year
- General licenses
- Valid for up to three years
- Designed for ongoing export relationships or frequent transactions involving the same item
- Export certificates via registration and reporting
- A streamlined mechanism for low-risk or low-volume exports
- No license fee required
Processing timeframes
MOFCOM outlines the following timeline for processing export license applications:
- Standard processing period: Up to 45 working days.
- Amendments to applications: Processed within 20 working days.
- National security consultations: No fixed timeframe. If concerns arise, cases are reported to the State Council for final approval.
Required application materials
To apply for a dual-use export control license, the Chinese exporter must prepare and submit the following documentation:
- Identification documents for the company’s legal representative, primary business manager, and designated operator handling the export.
- Copies of contracts or agreements relating to the export of the dual-use items.
- Technical description or an inspection report detailing the nature, function, and specifications of the items.
- End-user and end-use certificate, including a Chinese translation, confirming the final recipient and intended use of the exported goods.
- Statement from the importer and end-user, including a Chinese translation, affirming non-military and non-proliferation intent.
- Additional documents, if requested by MOFCOM during the review process.
Important
MOFCOM may require that certain documents be certified by the Canadian government as part of the due diligence and verification process. Please contact the Trade Commissioner Service if assistance is needed.