China Proposes Export Controls on 23 AI Technologies, Including Large Models and Agents
China’s commerce and science ministries proposed adding 23 AI technologies, covering large models, agents and computing clusters, to the country’s export-control catalogue. Open-source and published tech is excluded, comments run to Nov. 15, and exporters must register transfers now.
By 1EyeAI Desk ·
China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology on Oct. 16 proposed revising the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export (Announcement No. 48 of 2026). The draft adds 40 technologies in three fields: 23 in AI, covering large models, AI agents, computing clusters and information processing; 5 in biomedicine, including cell and gene therapy and small-nucleic-acid drugs; and 12 in solar manufacturing, including key equipment.
According to the announcement, AI technology that is already public through open-source releases or published papers is excluded. Public comments are open from Oct. 16 to Nov. 15. Starting now, exporters must register before transferring listed technologies abroad, including IP transfers, overseas licensing, or a change of owner or controller to a foreign entity.
Reuters reported that the ministry said the rules cover overseas deployment of models containing restricted technology but exclude access through APIs, websites, apps and SaaS platforms, and that most AI technology would stay freely exportable. The ministry also said the controls are partly meant to prevent misuse, such as systems that can autonomously write malicious software, per Reuters. The Wall Street Journal also reported the proposal.
What this means for you: Nothing changes for people using Chinese AI apps or APIs, and open-source models already released aren’t covered. Companies licensing or acquiring Chinese AI technology should expect registration and possibly licensing once the rules are final.