MOFCOM and GACC issued Announcement No. 50 of 2026 on 19 October 2026 imposing export controls on full-face tunnel boring machines (including earth-pressure-balance and slurry-balance shield machines and hard-rock tunnel boring machines), specially designed parts, and related remanufacturing technology, with the measures taking effect on 18 November 2026 and the dual-use items export control list updated accordingly.
Who this affects
- For exporters: Export operators must obtain a license to ship the controlled items to countries or regions with which China has disputes, or complete registration and obtain an export certificate for other destinations, while declaring dual-use status and control codes on customs declarations.
- For investors: Full-face tunnel boring machines under control code 2B906, specially designed components under 2A906 (cutterheads, screw conveyors, segment erectors, main drive systems), and remanufacturing technology under 2E906 are subject to the new dual-use controls.
- For counsel/compliance: Declarations must note whether items belong to dual-use controls and list the applicable control codes; items with parameters close to controlled thresholds must be declared as non-controlled with specific parameters stated.
- For policymakers: The decision is issued under the Export Control Law, Foreign Trade Law, Customs Law and Dual-Use Items Export Control Regulations to safeguard national security and interests.
The read
The controls cover both complete machines and their key components plus remanufacturing technology, with differentiated treatment: license required for destinations involving territorial or other disputes with China, and registration-plus-end-user commitment for all other destinations. The dual-use list is updated concurrently with the 18 November 2026 effective date.
What was the action?
MOFCOM and GACC decided to subject the following items to export control: full-face tunnel boring machines (earth-pressure-balance shield machines, slurry-balance shield machines and other shield machines; open-type, single-shield, double-shield and other hard-rock tunnel boring machines) under 2B906; specially designed parts (cutterheads, screw conveyors, segment erectors, main drive systems and other key units) under 2A906; and specially designed remanufacturing technology under 2E906; together with certain walking excavators under 2B904 and plateau wet-spraying machines under 2B903 and their related parts and technology.
What’s the penalty / scope, and how is it set?
No monetary penalty is stated. From 18 November 2026 the listed items require a license for export to countries or regions with which China has disputes; exports to all other destinations are permitted upon registration and issuance of an export certificate, subject to end-user commitments against unauthorized retransfer. Exporters remain responsible for the accuracy of customs declarations and must mark controlled items as dual-use with the applicable control codes.
Who else is exposed?
Not specified in the record beyond export operators of the controlled tunnel-boring, walking-excavator and plateau wet-spraying items and their components.
What happens next
The announcement takes effect on 18 November 2026; the Dual-Use Items Export Control List is updated simultaneously.