Reportedly: China proposes adding AI, biotech, and solar technologies to export control list
Reported by IT Home · not yet confirmed by the company or a second independent outlet. We update this page when it is.
China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology issued Announcement No. 48 of 2026, proposing to add 40 key technologies in AI, biomedicine, and photovoltaics to the export control list, IT Home reported. The proposal includes 14 technologies proposed for export prohibition and 26 for export restriction, with public comments being solicited.
China context
- Original name
- 中国禁止出口限制出口技术目录
- Outside China
- Not stated in the sources yet
- Claims
- Company-reported; not yet independently evaluated
- For builders
- Developers outside China using Chinese AI technologies, especially those related to vulnerability mining or malicious code generation, may face restrictions on obtaining such technologies if the proposal is adopted.
- For investors
- Investors in Chinese AI, biotech, or solar companies should evaluate the potential impact of export controls on these companies' international revenue and technology partnerships.
Translated from Chinese. Quotes and facts link to the original sources.
China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology issued Announcement No. 48 of 2026 on October 16, 2026, proposing revisions to the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export. The proposal adds 40 key technologies across artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and photovoltaics. Of these, 14 technologies are proposed for export prohibition, including AI-driven malicious code generation and mutation technology, proprietary cell and gene therapy technology platforms, and perovskite and tandem cell module production technology. Another 26 technologies are proposed for export restriction, including AI-assisted vulnerability mining technology, proprietary universal cell and gene therapy new target discovery and validation technology, and polysilicon engineering technology with single-line capacity of at least 30,000 tons per year. The announcement also clarifies applicable facilitation measures. The ministries stated that the revision is routine and not targeted at any specific country, region, or entity, and that the government supports lawful international technology cooperation.
The proposed export controls cover specific technical indicators for most listed technologies, and products manufactured using these technologies are not within the scope of management. This precision aims to define compliance boundaries for enterprises. The list includes AI-related technologies such as AI-driven malicious code generation and mutation (prohibited) and AI-assisted vulnerability mining (restricted), indicating a focus on cybersecurity-related AI capabilities.
Chinese AI, biotech, and solar companies face new compliance duties if the proposal is adopted, as exporting the listed technologies would require licenses or be prohibited, potentially affecting international collaborations and technology transfer. The proposal includes facilitation measures for certain export scenarios, suggesting a tiered management approach.
For businesses outside China, this proposal signals potential restrictions on acquiring certain Chinese technologies in AI, biomedicine, and photovoltaics. Companies relying on Chinese technology transfers or collaborations in these fields should assess their exposure and prepare for possible licensing requirements or prohibitions.
The public comment period is open, and the final list may change based on feedback. Companies should monitor the official announcement for the final version and specific technical indicators. The next observable signal is the publication of the final revised catalogue and any accompanying implementation guidelines.