Announcement on the Implementation of Export Control of Items Related to Gallium and Germanium

Country / jurisdiction: People's Republic of China · Year: 2023 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

The Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs have announced the implementation of export controls on gallium and germanium-related items starting from August 1, 2023, as a measure to safeguard national security and interests. Gallium and germanium are considered pivotal strategic mining resources, especially in the semiconductor and renewable industries. Through Ministry of Commerce Announcement [2023] No.23, China categorised them as "advantageous resources" due to their relative abundance compared to the global supply.

The controlled items include gallium-related materials such as gallium metal, gallium nitride, gallium oxide, gallium phosphide, gallium arsenide, indium gallium arsenic, gallium selenide, and gallium antimonide. Similarly, germanium-related items encompass metal germanium, zone-melted germanium ingots, phosphorus germanium zinc, ge epitaxial growth substrate, germanium dioxide, and germanium tetrachloride. Export businesses dealing with these items are required to seek export licenses from the Ministry of Commerce through provincial commerce authorities.

Official source: http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zwgk/gkzcfb/202307/20230703419666.shtml