China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export curbs on seven European entities on 24 April 2026. The measures bar the export of dual-use items from China to the listed entities and took effect immediately on the same day.
Dual-Use Items
Dual-use items are goods, software, or technologies that have both civilian and military applications. Common examples include rare earth elements, semiconductors, and drones.
Entities Covered By The Curbs
The listed entities include Belgium’s F.N. Herstal, also known as FN Browning, Germany’s Hensoldt, and the Czech Republic’s VZLU Aerospace. Four of the seven entities are from the Czech Republic, including Excalibur Army, Omnipol, and the Czech branch of Spaceknow.
Legal Basis And Administrative Features
- China stated on 24 April 2026 that the action was linked to national security and non-proliferation obligations.
- The ministry said that shipments may be approved on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances.
- The curbs apply only to the named entities and not to all European Union firms.
Export Control And Non-Proliferation
Export controls are state measures that regulate the transfer of strategic goods, technologies, and services across borders. Non-proliferation refers to international efforts to prevent the spread of weapons and related technologies.
Related Institutional Context
China had informed the European Union through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism before the announcement. Germany’s Hensoldt said it was verifying the facts, and Czech firm Excalibur Army said it does not source dual-use technologies from China.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026