China Expands Precursor Chemical Export Controls on North America

The Government of the People's Republic of China expanded export controls on precursor chemicals destined for the United States, Mexico, and Canada on September 22, 2026. The updated export control catalog increased the number of chemicals requiring export permits from 16 to 18, including their possible salts.

Five government agencies—the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the General Administration of Customs, and the National Medical Products Administration—jointly announced the adjustment. Regulators stated the move is intended to improve the management of precursor chemical exports.

The announcement maintained existing permit requirements for 41 listed chemicals exported to Myanmar, Laos, and Afghanistan. Exports to other regions remain exempt from those specific permit requirements.