China’s New Export License Policy for Steel Products in 2026

Staying informed about the evolving regulatory landscape is key to successful global sourcing. A significant update is approaching: starting January 2026, certain raw steel materials from China will require an export license.

However, it is important to distinguish between raw steel commodities and high-precision, custom-fabricated metal products. In this update, we analyze the new MOFCOM policy and highlight why our specialized metal solutions continue to offer a clear, uninterrupted path for your global supply chain.

Overview of the New Export Licensing Policy

After 16 years, China has once again implemented export license management for steel. According to the official Announcement No. 79 (2025) jointly issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs, a specific range(around 300 types) of steel products will be integrated into the Export License Management Goods Catalog (2025). Effective January 1, 2026, this policy mandates that all exporters of the designated steel commodities must obtain a formal export license from the relevant provincial or state-level commerce authorities. To secure this license, exporters are required to provide a valid export contract و أ Product Quality Inspection Certificate issued by the manufacturer, ensuring that only compliant, high-quality steel materials are circulated in the global market.

Strategic Rationale: Why Now?

The reintroduction of steel export licensing after a 16-year hiatus marks a pivotal shift from “quantity-driven” to “quality-focused” growth. According to industry analysis and MOFCOM briefings, this policy addresses several long-term strategic goals:

• Mitigating Trade Frictions: In 2024, the Chinese steel industry faced over 50 anti-dumping cases globally—a record high. By implementing licensing, the government aims to regulate export order, curb “price wars,” and alleviate international trade tensions caused by the surge in low-priced, primary steel exports.
• Enforcing Quality Standardization: A cornerstone of Announcement No. 79 is the mandatory Product Quality Inspection Certificate. By making quality a prerequisite for export, the policy effectively filters out low-grade materials, ensuring that only products meeting rigorous standards represent the “Made in China” brand in the global market.
• Accelerating the “Green” Transition: With the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) approaching and China’s own “Dual Carbon” goals, this policy discourages the export of high-energy-consumption, low-value-added primary products. It encourages the industry to pivot toward “Green Steel” and high-precision, deep-processed components that offer a lower carbon footprint and higher technical value.

Which Products and Businesses Are Affected?

The annex to Announcement No. 79 includes a comprehensive list of over 300 HS (Harmonized System) codes. This list represents a “full-chain” monitoring strategy, primarily focusing on primary materials and standardized steel commodities.

Key Categories Under Licensing Management:

• Primary Materials & Semi-Finished Goods: This includes pig iron, ferroalloys, recycled steel scrap, and semi-finished products like steel ingots and billets (e.g., rectangular or square cross-sections).
• Standardized Steel Commodities: A significant portion of the list covers mass-produced items such as hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils, flat-rolled plates (including galvanized or color-coated steel), and stainless steel bars or rods.
• Common Industrial Pipes & Sections: Various seamless and welded tubes, as well as structural sections (U, I, and H sections), are also categorized under this new requirement.

For a complete technical review of all 300+ affected categories, you may download the official annex below. We have translated the officially released original document into English for your reading:

[Download: Full List of Steel Products Under Export License Management (2026)]

Who Will Face Challenges?

The implementation of this policy creates a “compliance threshold” that will primarily affect two groups:

1. Exporters of Low-End Commodities: Companies that have traditionally relied on “volume-based” competition and low-margin, primary steel exports will face significantly higher administrative burdens. Those unable to provide a Product Quality Inspection Certificate from the original manufacturer will effectively be barred from the export market.
2. Importers Relying on “Spot” Procurement: For international buyers who purchase standardized steel materials (like coils or pipes) from small-scale traders or the spot market, there may be increased uncertainty. The new licensing process may extend lead times by 1–2 weeks, and the requirement for manufacturer-direct documentation may lead to a consolidation of the supplier base toward larger, more transparent mills.

For the general reader, the core question is: “Will this disrupt my business?” If your procurement involves basic raw steel, standardized construction materials, or primary industrial feedstocks, you should expect a more regulated environment starting in 2026. While this ensures higher product quality and market order, it requires more meticulous planning and longer lead times for documentation.

Will this policy affect the cooperation with HDC Manufacturing?

The short answer is لا. We would like to reassure all our partners that the implementation of Announcement No. 79 (2025) will not disrupt our production, export processes, or delivery timelines.

Our confidence stems from the fundamental nature of our operations and the specific scope of the new regulations:

• HS Code Distinction: Parts vs. Raw Materials The 300+ restricted HS codes in the new policy primarily target “Primary Steel Products” and “Standardized Commodities” such as steel billets, hot-rolled coils, and basic structural sections (Chapter 72 and parts of Chapter 73). HDC Manufacturing specializes in high-precision custom metal parts. Our products—including CNC machined components, forged engine parts, and investment castings—fall under different HS Code classifications (often in Chapters 84, 85, or 87) that are not included in the restricted list.
• High Value-Add Strategy The core objective of the new policy is to reduce the export of low-value-added, energy-intensive raw materials. As a provider of “One-Stop Metal Parts Solutions,” our work involves deep processing and technical integration. These high-value-added exports are precisely what the Chinese government encourages to maintain a healthy and sustainable trade balance.
• Seamless Documentation Compliance One of the key requirements of the new policy is the provision of a “Product Quality Inspection Certificate.” At HDC Manufacturing, stringent quality control is already embedded in our DNA. We provide Material Test Reports (MTRs) و Quality Inspection Certificates as a standard part of our shipping documentation. Should any of our specific materials ever fall under future regulation, our existing digital management systems are already fully prepared to handle the necessary licensing paperwork without adding delays to your lead time.

In conclusion, your orders with HDC Manufacturing remain on a “Business as Usual” track. Our logistics team has already completed a thorough audit of the 2026 catalog to ensure that every shipment moves through customs with the same efficiency and transparency you have come to expect from us.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Quality and Seamless Supply Chains

The reintroduction of China’s steel export license management is a definitive step toward a more regulated, quality-driven, and environmentally conscious manufacturing ecosystem. While it may introduce new layers of documentation for exporters of primary steel commodities, it ultimately serves to protect the integrity of the “Made in China” brand and ensures that international buyers receive products that meet the highest global standards.

For our partners at تصنيع HDC, this policy change is a validation of our long-standing commitment to high-precision engineering and transparent quality control. By focusing on high-value-added custom fabrication rather than mass-market raw materials, we remain strategically positioned to provide uninterrupted service regardless of the shifting regulatory landscape.

We will continue to monitor all trade updates and maintain our proactive communication to ensure your supply chain remains resilient. Our team is ready to handle the complexities of international trade so that you can focus on what matters most—your projects and your growth.

Next Steps & Contact

If you have specific questions regarding the HS Codes of your current orders or how this policy might affect future procurement planning, our technical and logistics teams are here to help.

• Review the Full Catalog: Download the PDF here (Link to the translated file)

• Consult Our Experts: Contact us for a technical review of your parts