The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

China recently decided to implement export license management for certain steel products, mainly covering 300 customs codes including steel materials, and the primary objective is to enhance the monitoring and statistical analysis of steel product exports and track the quality of exported products, He Yadong, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said on Thursday.

The remarks were made in response to a media inquiry regarding a joint statement released by the MOFCOM and the General Administration of Customs, which says that China will manage exports of certain steel products through an export licensing system from Jan. 1, 2026. The move marks the first time in 16 years that China has reintroduced export license management for steel. 

He said the relevant measures are in compliance with WTO rules and do not impose restrictions on export volumes or business qualifications.

He added that in accordance with laws and regulations and after extensively soliciting industry opinions, the announcement requires enterprises to provide proof of product quality inspection when applying for export licenses.

This aims to guide enterprises to place greater emphasis on product quality, increase investment in research and development, and promote high-quality development of China's steel industry, according to He. 

Based on relevant laws and regulations, the two authorities have decided to include certain steel products in a revised 2025 catalog of goods subject to export license management, reported the Xinhua News Agency on December 12, citing the joint statement by the MOFCOM and the General Administration of Customs.

It also said that foreign trade operators must apply for export licenses for the shipment of these goods. These applications require the submission of an export contract and a product quality inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer.

Global Times