China’s commerce and science ministries have proposed export controls covering 12 technologies used in photovoltaic manufacturing, spanning polysilicon production, silicon-wafer processes and solar-cell manufacturing. The measures are part of a wider draft catalogue update that also includes artificial-intelligence and biopharmaceutical technologies. The proposal is open for consultation and is not yet a final set of restrictions. [1] [2] [3]
The two ministries say the wider draft covers 40 technologies: 23 related to artificial intelligence, five to biopharmaceuticals and 12 to photovoltaics. Their accompanying explanation says 14 entries are proposed for prohibition and 26 for restricted export. That split describes the entire proposal; it should not be read as 14 solar technologies being banned. The precise treatment depends on the item and technical thresholds in the draft. [1] [2]
A registration requirement has started
The proposal also contains a separate interim step. MOFCOM says covered transfers must be registered from the announcement’s publication until a revised catalogue takes effect. The stated cases include transferring ownership of technology abroad, licensing domestic technology for overseas use, or a domestic technology’s owner or actual controller becoming a foreign entity. The ministries set Nov. 15 as the end of the consultation period. [1] [2]
That temporary registration rule is not the same as a completed export ban. The draft distinguishes between prohibited technologies and restricted ones, and the official explanation says the scope is tied to specified technical criteria. Reuters reports that examples include proposed prohibitions on some perovskite and tandem-cell production techniques, with other advanced cell and polysilicon processes proposed for restriction. The draft annex should be consulted for the exact thresholds; this is not a blanket bar on exporting solar panels or all production equipment. [2] [3]
Why the change matters
China has a major position in global solar manufacturing, so controls on production know-how could affect firms seeking to build or upgrade factories outside the country. But the eventual effect remains uncertain while the list is being consulted on. The ministries say the proposal is aimed at national security and interests and say normal international technology exchange should continue within the rules. [2] [3]
For manufacturers, the immediate question is whether a particular process or transfer falls within the catalogue’s technical definitions. The consultation may change the proposed list before it becomes final. [1] [2]