Agricultural machinery, being important equipment for spring planting and autumn harvesting, continues to experience rising demand in overseas markets. To help enterprises better understand the key aspects of exporting agricultural machinery, this article will introduce relevant considerations.
I. Procedures for Registration of Importer/Exporter Qualifications
(1) Users should log in to the China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn). Navigate through "All Applications>Port Law Enforcement Declaration>Enterprise Management>Enterprise Qualifications>Unified Management of Administrative Counterparts 3.0>Qualification Registration>Registration Application>Customs Declaration Unit and Related Qualification Registration." Select "Importer/Exporter Qualification," complete the required enterprise information, print the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Information Form," affix the official company seal, upload it as an attachment, and then submit the application.
(2) The local customs office will review the application within three working days. Approved applications will be granted registration status, and a ten-digit customs registration code will be generated.
(3) Public Inquiry Channels for Application Status and Results:
1. China International Trade Single Window;
2. China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Disclosure Platform;
3. Call customs 12360 hotline for inquiries.
(4) Applying for an e-Port Card
Users log in to (hg.qdcdc.com)—Select "e-Port Card Production"—Enter "Card Issuance Cloud Service"—Initiate "Card Production"—Complete "New Enterprise Registration"—Upon successful submission of information, the IC card will be mailed to your designated address.
II. Commodity Classification
Agricultural machinery covers a very broad range. Machinery and tools for soil cultivation, sowing, and planting are mainly classified under headings 8432 and 8201. Harvesting and post-harvest processing machinery are mainly classified under heading 8433. Irrigation machinery is mainly classified under heading 8424. Plant protection machinery primarily falls under headings 8806 and 8424. It is worth noting that agricultural machinery towed by tractors or mounted on them as interchangeable components (such as plows, harrows, hoes), even when declared together with tractors (regardless of whether already mounted), should still be classified into their respective headings, while tractors themselves should be separately classified under heading 8701.
III. Export Declaration
When handling agricultural machinery exports, exporters or their agents must log in to the China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn) or other designated electronic platforms to submit declarations to customs. They are required to accurately complete the customs declaration form, including details such as the description of goods, HS code, specifications and models, quantity, unit price, and total price. Active cooperation with customs authorities during supervision is also essential. The key documents to be prepared include: contracts, invoices, packing lists, and other necessary materials.
IV. Regulatory Requirements
The "Export License Management Goods Catalog (2025)" does not directly list specific types of agricultural machinery as requiring export licenses. However, if exported agricultural machinery involves components such as motorcycles (including all-terrain vehicles) and their engines or frames, or automobiles (including complete knock-down kits) and their chassis, it is necessary to confirm whether these fall within the scope of the Catalog. An export license must then be applied for as required. In addition, if the agricultural machinery involves dual-use items and technologies, an "Export License for Dual-Use Items and Technologies" is mandatory.
In accordance with relevant regulations from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), exported agricultural machinery products are not classified as goods subject to statutory inspection. Customs may, therefore, conduct random inspections of such goods during the export clearance process.
V. Export Control of Plant Protection Drones
Plant protection drones have become a prominent export item within agricultural machineryin recent years. It is imperative to note that, in accordance with the "Export Control List of Dual-Use Items of the People's Republic of China," exporters or their agents must apply for an "Export License for Dual-Use Items and Technologies" from the Ministry of Commerce when these drones and their components meet the specifications described by the following control codes.
(1) Control Code 2B352.h—Spray or Atomization Systems and Components:
1. Complete spray or atomization systems specially designed or modified for mounting on lighter-than-air aircraft or "unmanned aerial vehicles," capable of dispersing dry powder particles at a flow rate greater than 2L per minute, forming initial droplets with a volume median diameter (VMD) less than 50μm.
2. Aerosol generator nozzles or multi-nozzle spray assemblies specially designed or modified for mounting on aircraft controlled under item 2B352.h.1, capable of dispersing dry powder particles at a flow rate greater than 2L per minute, forming initial droplets with a volume median diameter (VMD) less than 50μm.
3. Aerosol generators specially designed for installation on equipment meeting the specifications of items 2B352.h.1 and 2B352.h.2.
(2) Control Code 7A103.b—Autopilots for "unmanned aerial vehicles."
(3) Control Code 9A012.a—"Unmanned aerial vehicles" or "unmanned airships" capable of controlled flight beyond the "operator's" "natural line of sight," and having any of the following characteristics:
1. A maximum "endurance" equal to or greater than 30 minutes and less than 1 hour, and capable of takeoff and stable controlled flight in gust conditions equal to or greater than 46.3km/h (25 knots);
2. A maximum "endurance" equal to or greater than 1 hour.
(4) Control Code 9A012.e—Radio communication equipment specially designed or modified for "unmanned aerial vehicles" or "unmanned airships" as specified in Control Code 9A012.a and having any of the following characteristics:
1. "Radio line of sight" transmission distance greater than 50km;
2. Capability of a single station to controlmore than 10 aircraft.
(5) Control Code 9A501.b—"Unmanned aerial vehicles" possessing autonomous flight control and navigation capabilities, and having any of the following characteristics:
1. Equipped with an aerosol dispensing system or device with a capacity exceeding 20L;
2. Designed or modified to be fitted with an aerosol dispensing system or device with a capacity exceeding 20L.
(6) Control Code 9A501.c—"Unmanned aerial vehicles" with the capability for an operator to control flight from beyond visual range, and having any of the following characteristics:
1. Incorporating an aerosol dispensing system or device with a capacity exceeding 20L;
2. Designed or modified to be fitted with an aerosol dispensing system or device with a capacity exceeding 20L.
(By Sun Jinhui, Han Xingang, Zhang Hao, Fan Yao)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
