BUSINESS

China Adds EU Firms to Export Control List for First Time

Published: Apr. 27, 2026 6:19 p.m. GMT+8

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On Wednesday, China’s commerce ministry added the firms to the list to safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations.

China has banned seven European defense and aerospace companies from buying its dual-use goods, marking the first time it has added European Union entities to its export control list.

On Wednesday, China’s commerce ministry added the firms to the list to safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations. The targeted companies include Belgium’s FN Herstal SA and FN Browning Group, Germany’s Hensoldt AG, and Czech firms Omnipol Ltd., Excalibur Army and VZLU Aerospace, as well as the Czech branch of SpaceKnow Inc.

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China added seven EU defense/aerospace firms to dual-use export control list, first time for EU entities: Belgium’s FN Herstal SA/FN Browning Group, Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Czech Omnipol Ltd., Excalibur Army, VZLU Aerospace, SpaceKnow Czech branch.
Bans sales/transfers of dual-use goods to them; targets arms sales/Taiwan ties; normal EU trade unaffected.
EU sourced 46% rare earths, >80% magnets from China in 2024; controls cause supply disruptions.

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Who’s Who

FN Herstal SA: FN Herstal SA, a Belgian defense company, was added to China's export control list on Wednesday. Chinese exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use goods to it, and transfers of such items are banned. The measure targets military-related entities involved in arms sales or with Taiwan ties, requiring immediate cessation of ongoing activities.

FN Browning Group: FN Browning Group, a Belgian defense firm, is among seven European companies added to China's export control list. China bans sales of dual-use goods to it, citing national security and arms sales/Taiwan ties. Ongoing activities must cease without approval. This marks the first EU entities targeted.

Hensoldt AG: Germany’s Hensoldt AG was added to China’s dual-use export control list by the commerce ministry, the first EU entity targeted. Chinese exporters are banned from selling dual-use goods to it, to safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations. It applies to military-related firms involved in arms sales or Taiwan ties.

Omnipol Ltd.: Omnipol Ltd., a Czech firm, was added to China's dual-use export control list by the commerce ministry. Chinese exporters are banned from selling dual-use items to it, and no transfers of Chinese-origin dual-use goods are allowed. The measures target military-related entities involved in arms sales or with ties to Taiwan.

Excalibur Army: Excalibur Army, a Czech defense firm, was added to China's export control list on Wednesday. Chinese exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use goods to it, with ongoing activities required to cease immediately. The measures target military-related entities involved in arms sales or ties to Taiwan, safeguarding national security.

VZLU Aerospace: VZLU Aerospace, a Czech firm, is among seven European companies added to China's export control list. Chinese exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use goods to it, and transfers are banned. Ongoing activities must cease immediately, with exceptions needing government approval, to safeguard national security.

SpaceKnow Inc.: China's commerce ministry added the Czech branch of SpaceKnow Inc. to its export control list, banning sales of dual-use goods to it. This marks the first time EU entities have been targeted, aimed at safeguarding national security and non-proliferation. Exporters must cease activities immediately.

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