China Releases Draft Export Control Law for Public Comment

On June 16, 2017, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released for public comment a draft of the Export Control Law (“the Draft Law”). While China has a number of regulations relating to export controls and has signed numerous nonproliferation agreements, the Draft Law would be China’s first law specifically addressing export controls and would implement an export controls system that protects China’s national security and consolidates its nonproliferation efforts. This new law, if enacted as drafted, would bring China’s system somewhat closer to other export control regimes, although certain provisions are still inconsistent with the approach of other jurisdictions. The Draft Law also introduces new restrictions on the provision of “export control-related” information” outside of China, highlighting the government’s desire to tighten the control of cross-border transfers of technical data related to controlled items. The Draft Law is expected to be introduced to the National People’s Congress for a first reading in 2018.