On December 9, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued Announcement No. 79 of 2025, introducing new export licensing requirements for specific categories of steel products. This policy will take effect on January 1, 2026, and represents a significant regulatory development for overseas buyers, steel importers, and supply chain partners.
This article breaks down the key points of the announcement. It explains what this means for international procurement of steel products - including considerations for buyers who also source color-coated aluminum coil and other metal materials from China.
Under Announcement No. 79 of 2025, certain steel products are placed under export license management. Exporters must obtain a valid export license before shipping these products abroad. The policy is based on China's:
- Foreign Trade Law
- Regulations on the Administration of Import and Export of Goods
- Measures for the Administration of Export Licenses
The export license system is not a trade ban or quota; instead, it is an administrative compliance requirement designed to support quality control, traceability, and orderly trade of export-controlled goods.
Scope: Steel Products Included
The announcement refers to a detailed annex listing the steel products now subject to export licensing. Generally, these products fall under the following HS code ranges, which are widely used by customs agencies and international trade professionals:
- HS 7210–7229 - Flat-rolled steel products (including coated and plated steel)
- HS 7301–7307 - Welded or fabricated steel products and structures
For importers, correct classification under the Harmonized System (HS) is critical. Misclassification can lead to delays, fines, or rejected shipments during customs clearance.
Export License Application Process
Required Documentation
Exporters must submit:
- A valid export contract
- A product quality inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer
Issuing Authorities
Export licenses are issued by authorized government agencies depending on the exporter's location and ownership:
- Provincial commerce departments
- Commerce departments in select sub-provincial cities
- For centrally supervised State-owned enterprises in Beijing, by the Ministry of Commerce License Bureau
Applicability
- Applies only to goods listed in the export license catalogue.
- Other matters not explicitly covered follow Announcement No. 65 of 2024, which governs general export license procedures and enforcement.
Why This Matters to International Buyers
For steel importers and procurement managers, Announcement No. 79 introduces new operational touchpoints that affect global supply chains. Key considerations: Export Compliance Affects Delivery Reliability
Export licensing adds a procedural step before goods leave China. Suppliers must secure the export license before customs release, which means:
- Potential delivery delays if documentation is incomplete or late
- Longer lead times for contract planning
- Greater emphasis on suppliers' compliance capability
Companies that understand the export licensing process are better equipped to fulfill international contracts with stable shipment schedules.
Color Coated Aluminum Coil - Why It Matters Even Though It's Not Steel
Although the export license policy applies only to steel products under specific HS codes, many global buyers source steel coil, prepainted steel coil, and color coated aluminum coil together from China as part of mixed procurement.
Here's why steel export compliance is still relevant to your aluminum coil sourcing strategy:
Supplier Compliance Signals Reliability
Manufacturers and traders experienced in managing export licensing - even for steel - typically have stronger compliance systems. This often translates to:
- Better documentation practices
- Faster export processing
- Clear quality and inspection records
These capabilities benefit buyers of color coated aluminum coil who also require reliable delivery schedules and high-quality export documentation.
Streamlined Export Documentation
Export license procedures demand stringent documentation. Suppliers who are already export-license compliant tend to provide:
- Complete quality inspection certificates
- Clear product specifications
- Accurate HS codes for customs
This improves the efficiency of customs clearance for any export shipment, including those with color coated aluminum coil as part of the invoice.
Get a Quote With Hanchen Metal
Contact Hanchen Metal today to discuss compliant export documentation, reliable supply planning, and optimized delivery schedules tailored to your project needs.
Request product specifications and export support now to stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure smooth import operations.