Dual-use items export control measures are in line with international norms: MOFCOM

"Civil-military dual-use goods, technologies, and services that, if misused after export, could endanger national security and affect world peace and security. Dual-use items export control measures are in line with international norms," He Yadong, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday.

Regarding a question on dual-use items, He clarified that dual-use items mean goods, technologies and services that may be used either for civil purposes or for military purposes or to contribute to an increase in military potential, especially to design, develop, produce or use weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

"The introduction of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of dual-use items is a refinement of China's Export Control Law. The regulations are an important measure to improve the export control system and enhance legal governance in export control of dual-use items. The transparency and standardization of export control policies for dual-use items will be enhanced," He noted.

A State Council decree unveiling the regulations on export control of dual-use items was signed in September, according to a notice published by the State Council on October 19. The dual-use items export control regulations will take effect on December 1, 2024.

"For more details on the background, approach, and key provisions of the regulations on the export control of dual-use items, please refer to the answers provided by officials from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the MOFCOM to journalists' questions, which are available on official websites," said He.

On Saturday, the MOJ and the Ministry of Commerce stressed that export controls are not a prohibition on exports. Dual-use items export control measures are in line with international norms, and they will help ensure trade security while promoting the normal trade of dual-use items.

The regulations will not pose obstacles to normal international scientific and technological exchanges and economic and trade cooperation, or disrupt the smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, the two ministries said.

The regulations also include detailed measures for license management, control list and supervision of export control of dual-use items, according to the Xinhua News Agency.