China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Ministry of Science and Technology jointly issued a draft revision to its export control catalog on October 16, 2026, proposing to add 40 technologies in artificial intelligence (AI), biomedicine, and photovoltaics (PV) to the list of prohibited or restricted exports. Of these, 14 technologies are slated for outright prohibition, while the remaining 26 would require specific licenses for export.

This move signals China's intensified strategy to secure its position in global technological competition, potentially impacting international supply chains and technological development. It reflects a broader economic shift from being primarily a manufacturing hub to an exporter of advanced technology and expertise.

What the records show

The draft revision, referred to as "Announcement No. 48 of 2026," was published by MOFCOM and the Ministry of Science and Technology. It categorizes the 40 newly added technologies across three sectors: 23 items are related to AI, 12 to photovoltaics, and 5 to biomedicine. Specific examples of technologies proposed for prohibition include AI-driven malicious-code generation, proprietary cell and gene therapy technology platforms, and production technologies for perovskite and tandem solar cell modules. Restricted technologies include polysilicon engineering technologies for solar cell production lines with high annual output capacities. Exports of these listed technologies are subject to an interim registration requirement that took effect on the same day the draft was published. This requirement applies to transfers of technology ownership abroad, licensing for overseas use, and changes in ownership or control to a foreign entity, covering transactions already underway but not yet completed.

The timeline

The draft revision was formally published on October 16, 2026. The public comment period for this proposed change is open until November 15, 2026. Concurrently, the interim pre-export registration requirement for these technologies became effective on October 16, 2026.

What changed and for whom

This revision marks a significant expansion of China's export control regime, broadening the scope of technologies requiring government oversight before international transfer. For companies involved in AI, biomedicine, or photovoltaic technologies, particularly those engaging in cross-border transactions or technology transfers, the new regulations necessitate immediate compliance with interim registration requirements. This affects both future deals and existing, unfinished export processes. Other countries, such as India, which aim to develop their solar manufacturing capabilities, may experience impacts on their efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese technology as a result of these new controls on next-generation solar manufacturing.

What the subject has said publicly

China's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology stated that the draft revision is a "necessary step" to safeguard national security. This action aligns with a broader strategic shift within China to transition from its role as the world's factory to an exporter of advanced technological capabilities. This strategy aims for China to remain globally indispensable by focusing on technological self-reliance and industrial upgrading.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm how the new interim registration requirements have affected specific companies or ongoing transactions since their implementation on October 16. We also could not confirm the specific criteria or process for obtaining an export license for restricted technologies. The long-term impact on global supply chains for the affected technologies also remains unclear.