Beijing: China has made significant updates to its catalog of technologies that are subject to export controls, with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announcing the changes on Tuesday. The new catalog includes the addition of battery cathode material technology to the restricted list, while also removing certain architectural technologies from export controls.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the revised catalog was jointly issued by the MOC and the Ministry of Science and Technology. It features one new addition, three removals, and a modification of an existing item. The newly added technology pertains to the preparation of battery cathode materials, such as lithium iron phosphate, which now require export licenses due to their sensitive applications. This inclusion is aimed at balancing development with security concerns.
The update also modifies existing controls on non-ferrous metallurgy technology, specifically regulating techniques like spodumene-based lithium carbonate production and adjusting the requirements for gallium metal extraction. Meanwhile, to facilitate international sharing of architectural knowledge, authorities have lifted controls on one prohibited item related to traditional Chinese architectural techniques and two restricted items concerning building environment control technologies.
These adjustments are designed to safeguard national economic security and development interests while fostering international economic and technological cooperation. The spokesperson from the MOC emphasized that extensive consultations were undertaken with government departments, industry associations, and the public during the revision process.
The export control catalog, originally published in 2001, has undergone previous revisions in 2008, 2020, and 2023. It categorizes technologies as either prohibited or restricted for export, with restricted technologies requiring export licenses. The spokesperson reaffirmed China's commitment to high-standard opening-up, improving the domestic business environment, and deepening technological exchanges with other countries.