The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs on Thursday jointly announced export controls on items related to superhard materials, effective November 8, 2025, according to MOFCOM's official website. 

The decision, made under the Export Control Law, the Foreign Trade Law, the Customs Law, and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items, aims to safeguard national security and interests while fulfilling international non-proliferation obligations, according to the ministry.

The export controls cover six categories of items with particular restrictions, including artificial diamond micropowder with an average particle size of 50 micrometers or smaller; artificial diamond single crystals with an average particle size larger than 50 micrometers but not exceeding 500 micrometers; artificial diamond wire saws with specified characteristics; artificial diamond grinding wheels with particular features; direct current plasma chemical vapor deposition (DCPCVD) equipment; and DCPCVD process technology.

For items that do not fall under the controlled list but have parameters, specifications, or performance characteristics similar to those of controlled items, exporters must indicate "not subject to export control" and specify relevant parameters and indicators in the remarks column of the customs declaration, the ministry said.

Global Times