China Issues Export Controlled List of Commercial Encryption Technology

On December 2, 2020, China’s Ministry of Commerce and customs authorities issued the Import Controlled List of Commercial Encryption Technology and Export Controlled List of Commercial Encryption Technology, as well as licensing procedure for commercial encryption technology imports and exports.

The lists and rules are the first batch of documents issued by the Chinese government after its Export Control Law entered into force on December 1, 2020. They are pursuant to China’s Encryption Law, Export Control Law, and Customs Law.

The export control list include chips and encryption apparatus, manufacturing equipment for the above-mentioned items, as well as related software and technology that designs or improves the items. The items on the list are required to have a license before importing and exporting. Any violation of the import and export restrictions will be subject to administrative punishment or criminal charges.

The documents will take effect on January 1, 2021.