China's 2026 Import License-Subject Products List Has Been Published.

LIST OF PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO CHINESE IMPORT LICENSE MANAGEMENT (2026)

Announcement No. 88, dated December 30, 2025, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the Customs Administration of China, states that the “Catalogue of Products Subject to Import License Management” has been published and will enter into force on January 1, 2026.

The original Chinese version of the regulation and the attached catalog can be accessed via the link https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zcfb/dwmygl/art/2025/art_57f0ef6500994576bc94d8c389527c3a.html

The catalog contains a detailed list of products for which China requires import licenses.

Import licenses are mandatory for products listed in this catalog that are to be imported into the People's Republic of China in 2026.

Ozone-Depleting Substances
This group includes chemicals that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol and whose import is strictly regulated.

Chemical Types:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): e.g., trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12).
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): Examples: dichlorotrifluoroethane, dichlorofluoroethane.
Halons: Brominated substances used as fire extinguishers (e.g., bromotrifluoromethane - Halon 1301).
Methyl Bromide: Used as a fumigant.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Examples: trifluoromethane (HFC-23), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125).
Mixtures containing these substances.
Other License-Subject Product Groups (Items 2-14)
An import license is required for the import of the following product groups listed in items 2 to 14 as second-hand machinery and equipment (used).

Chemical Plant Equipment: Distillation equipment, liquefiers.
Metal Casting Equipment: Casting machines for high-temperature alloys.
Construction Machinery: Cranes (tower cranes, rubber-tired cranes, crawler cranes), forklifts, elevators.
Lifting and Handling Equipment: Bridge cranes, container bridges, stackers, cable cars.
Paper Production Machinery: Pulp making, paper drying, and paper processing machines.
Electrical Equipment: Large alternators (over 750 kVA), diesel generator sets, welding machines (laser, electron beam, arc welding).
Food Processing and Packaging Machines: Cooking machines, filtering devices, filling equipment, milk processing machines.
Agricultural Machinery: Rice planting machines, combine harvesters (200 horsepower and above), potato/beet/sugar cane/cotton harvesting machines.
Printing Machines: Binding machines, offset, flexo, and letterpress printing machines.
Textile Machinery: Leather processing and tanning machines.
Ships: Passenger ships, ferries, boats, and yachts (over 8 meters).
Printer Cartridges: Printing drums and toner cartridges for laser printers/copiers.
X-Ray Tubes.
Important Notes and Exceptions (Footnotes)
Ozone-Depleting Substances Exception: These substances are excluded from the license scope if they are integrated into final products (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, foam).

Inward Processing Regime (Processing Trade) Exemption: No import license is required for processing trade involving ozone-depleting substances if production residues or final products are sold on the domestic market, or in cases of normal wear and tear of equipment or the formation of by-products.
Samples, Gifts, Returns: A license is required for the import of ozone-depleting substances for samples, advertising materials, donations, or returns.
Product Description Priority: The scope of the license requirement is determined by the name of the goods. The customs tariff position (HS code) is for reference purposes only.

Conclusion: This list details products subject to import controls in line with China's 2026 policies on protecting the environment (particularly the ozone layer), energy, security, and domestic industry. Importers must obtain an import license from the relevant authorities before importing the products listed.