China proposes export controls on select biopharma technologies

China’s commerce and science ministries proposed adding five biomedical technology categories to the country’s export-control catalogue, as part of a broader draft covering 40 technologies across biomedicine, AI and photovoltaics.

The biomedical areas include cell and gene therapy, small nucleic-acid drugs such as siRNA, and technologies related to pathogenic microorganisms. The proposal would prohibit some transfers of proprietary platforms and require approval for certain transfers of target-identification and validation technologies.

The proposal appears aimed at preventing the transfer of ownership of strategic technology platforms abroad—not shutting down ordinary drug licensing. Officials said licensing, partnerships and outsourced research or manufacturing services are outside the proposed restrictions.

The draft is open for public comment through November 15, 2026. Separately, exporters of covered technologies must register transfers before export while the catalogue revision is being considered, according to reports.