China requires AI export registration while proposed controls remain under review

China opened a consultation on October 16 about adding 40 technologies to its export-control catalogue. The proposal covers 23 AI technologies, including models, agents, computing clusters and information processing. It also covers five biomedical technologies and 12 solar technologies.

China has not finalized the changes. Exporters must still register listed technology transfers before export, including transfers that have started but are not finished. The consultation closes November 15.

The commerce ministry treats technology transfers differently from access to a model. The proposal excludes access through APIs, websites, apps and software services from the large-model technology-export rules. Some overseas deployments would still face controls, with easier licensing in certain cases.

The notice also excludes technology already made public through open source or papers. The ministry says some future open-source releases would receive automatic licences. The proposal does not ban all Chinese AI services abroad.

The ministries are still considering the final controls, but exporters must already register covered transfers. The requirement applies during the consultation.

The final catalogue will show which technologies China controls. Rules for overseas deployment will determine which transfers need approval. The consultation ends November 15.