China has reinstated strict export licensing requirements for steel products beginning January 1st, 2026. Under this policy, most raw and semi-finished steel products now require an export license issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) before the goods can be cleared by China Customs for export.

The 2026 China export-license requirement primarily affects common steel HS headings used by US importers, including 7201–7207 (pig iron, scrap, and semi-finished steel), 7208–7212 and 7219–7220 (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized, and stainless flat-rolled steel), 7213–7216 and 7228 (wire rod, bars, and structural steel), and 7304–7307 (seamless and welded pipe/tube products). These categories represent the bulk of the 300 steel HS codes added to China’s export-license catalogue effective January 1st, 2026.

Under Announcement No. 79-2025 issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs, exporters must apply for an export license before the shipment can be declared to China Customs.

For importers, this means shipments may be delayed if the Chinese exporter does not obtain the required license in advance. Importers should confirm with their suppliers that the proper export licensing has been secured before goods are shipped to avoid supply disruptions. RIM logistics, ltd. will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and provide updates as necessary. Please reach out to your RIM representative if you have any further questions.