China Requires Export Licenses for Steel Products from 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, exports of Chinese steel products (HS codes 7201-7307) will be subject to a comprehensive licensing system. A series of announcements from the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs covers products such as steel pipes, steel plates, profiles, square tubes, flanges, rails, steel wire, iron wire, steel coils, and galvanized sheets, encompassing the entire industrial chain, from raw materials to finished products. Export licenses will be mandatory for customs clearance in China. Whether it's bulk trade or small-batch exports, a license is required for the aforementioned products. Importers should verify the supplier's import and export rights and their ability to obtain export licenses before purchasing, to ensure that the goods are legally exported from China.

Objective of the Regulations
Although official statements emphasize that the system aims to "standardize the trade order" and "improve quality monitoring," analysts identify several strategic objectives:
Reduction of trade friction: High export volumes at low prices have led to an increase in anti-dumping cases worldwide.
Resource conservation: Limiting the export of low-value, energy-intensive semi-finished products, such as billets.
Industry modernization: Incentivizing companies to focus on high-end, value-added steel rather than mass exports of low-cost products.
Regulatory oversight: Improving the tracking of product flows and strengthening VAT (Value Added Tax) compliance.

Required Documentation
Exporters will need to apply for licenses by submitting:
A formal export contract.
A Product Quality Inspection Certificate issued by the manufacturer.
License validity: Licenses are valid for six months, but only within the calendar year in which they are issued. They can be used up to 12 times for customs clearance during their validity period.

Escrito por Victoria