China to streamline questioning and identification procedures for dual-use export controls

On October 19, China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued a joint announcement to optimize the questioning and identification procedures for dual-use item export controls. Under the new rules, if an exporter fails to present the required license and customs has evidence suggesting the goods may fall within controlled categories, customs will raise a query and issue a Customs Questioning Notice on Dual-Use Item Export Controls.

The consignor must, within seven working days of receiving the notice, submit documents including the customs declaration form, contract, invoice, transport documents proving the goods' destination, a statement of circumstances, and technical materials. All documents must bear an official seal; foreign-language materials must be accompanied by Chinese translations.

Customs will complete its review--or refer the case to the Ministry of Commerce for identification--within 15 working days of receiving all required materials, and will issue a Notification of Customs Questioning Result on Dual-Use Item Export Controls. The Ministry of Commerce will reach a conclusion within 15 working days of receiving the referral materials.