China steel export licences reinstated for 2026, what buyers need to know
China has moved to tighten export paperwork for steel products, with an export license requirement covering 300 steel products starting January 1, 2026. Exporters rushed shipments in December 2025, when steel exports hit a record monthly high, partly to get goods out before the new regulation kicked in.
For overseas buyers, the immediate impact varies largely. While large exporters will most likely to handle the extra work more efficiently, smaller ones may face delays and refusals. At best, it’s extra admin friction: suppliers may need to secure licenses backed by export contracts and manufacturer quality inspection certificates. This entails an additional administrative step that can stretch lead times when factories and forwarders are already busy.
If you want to stay out of last-minute chaos, reach out to JS Sourcing for further information on delivery lead times from China made steel coils, steel sheets. We will be able to tell whether your HS codes fall under this reinstated licensing system or not.
