China's Ministry of Commerce has made two export-control moves this month that affect Indian sourcing. They run on different dates. Comments on a proposed technology catalogue close on 15 November 2026. New permits for specified drone parts start on 18 November 20261.
What is already in force
The technology measure is Announcement No. 48 of 2026. MOFCOM issued it with the Ministry of Science and Technology. It would add 40 technologies to the list of items that China bans from export or allows only with permission1. The entries are 23 in artificial intelligence (AI), 5 in biomedical and 12 in photovoltaic (solar) technology. Certain core equipment that uses them is also covered1. The public comment period runs to 15 November 20261.
The counts in news reports differ. The Economic Times said on 19 October that MOFCOM had released a draft plan two days earlier. It counted 14 technologies across AI, biotech and solar2. BusinessLine counted 12 solar technologies3. Container News put the total at 401. Read the annex, not the headline number.
The catalogue is still a draft. But a temporary pre-export registration rule began when the announcement was published1. Container News cited an advisory from Expeditors, a logistics provider. That advisory said the rule also covers deals already begun but not finished, including some cargo already at sea1.
The 18 November deadline for drone parts
A second measure came from three bodies: MOFCOM, the General Administration of Customs and the Central Military Commission Equipment Development Department. It updates controls on specified drones and related technology1. Covered items include some engines, autopilots and communication equipment. They also include motors, propeller blades, flight-control systems and self-navigation technology1. From 18 November 2026, such exports need a licence1.
Exporters must also put technical details in customs declarations. That includes some products with specs close to controlled items1. China's dual-use items export control list will be updated at the same time1.
The legal base is China's Export Control Law. It requires a licence for items on the control list or under temporary control. It also sets fines for exports made without one4.
The same 18 November date already applies to machinery. On 19 October, MOFCOM announced controls on tunnel boring machines, walking excavators and plateau-type wet shotcrete machines2. That notice tells exporters to name controlled items and declare their dual-use export control codes2. If an item is not controlled but has similar specs, exporters must supply detailed technical data. Customs can hold the cargo while it checks2. The Economic Times said the curbs could hit Indian metro, rail and tunnel projects2.
What to ask a Chinese supplier now
The rules turn on specs, not on the buyer's country. Neither measure is a general ban on AI, biomedical, solar or drone exports, according to Container News1. So the spec sheet is the most important document in the file.
- The exact model and full specs for each part. That means motor rating, blade size, autopilot and flight-control functions, and radio range1.
- The Chinese HS code and the dual-use export control code, in writing. Declarations now carry them2.
- A written answer to three questions. Is the item controlled? Does it need a MOFCOM licence? Which side applies1?
- For AI, biomedical or solar inputs, who files the pre-registration. Also ask if an order already shipped is covered1.
- Indian permits. Radio-controlled gear needs WPC clearance. Drones that arrive without WPC and DGCA approval can be seized by customs5.
On contracts, buyers can add a licence-failure clause. It can pause the delivery clock and allow a refund or cancellation if a licence is refused. Fix delivery windows too. Agree who pays storage and freight if customs holds a shipment.