The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

China will require export licenses for 13 precursor chemicals shipped to the US, Mexico and Canada after the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and other four departments, in accordance with relevant regulations, jointly adjusted the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions) and the Catalogue of Specific Countries (Regions), according to a statement released on the MOFCOM's official website on Monday.

The new requirement took effect on Monday (November 10, 2025) and applies to six specific countries (regions) including Myanmar, Laos, Afghanistan, the US, Mexico and Canada, according to the statement.

In a joint announcement, the MOFCOM, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the General Administration of Customs and the National Medical Products Administration said they had revised the Catalogue of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions) and the Catalogue of Specific Countries (Regions), in order to further improve the management of the export of precursor chemicals.

Under the adjusted lists, the US, Mexico and Canada have been newly included among the designated "specific countries (regions)." 13 precursor chemicals will be separately listed for these three countries, said the MOFCOM.

According to the statement, exporters who ship the chemicals listed in Part I of Annex 1 to the US, Mexico or Canada must apply for and obtain the required export permits under the interim provisions. Exports of those chemicals to other countries and regions are not subject to the permit requirement under this amended regime.

Global Times