A dredger is a specialized vessel used for removing silt from waterways and rivers, ensuring smooth passage for other vessels. Their main functions are as follows:

Deepening and widening existing channels and ports;
Excavating new channels, ports, and canals;
Dredging berths, docks, locks, and other hydraulic engineering foundations;
Discharging dredged silt into the deep sea or using it for land reclamation projects.

According to the relevant provisions of theforeign tradeForeign Trade Law of the Peoples Republic of China and the Customs Law of the Peoples Republic of China, to safeguard national security interests, export controls on dredgers have been implemented since June 1, 2017. The specific control measures and requirements are as follows:

Types of Dredgers Subject to Export Restrictions

(a) Trailing suction hopper dredgers:Hopper capacity ≥1500 cubic meters, dredging depth ≥15 meters, equipped with bow discharge function and devices;
(b) Cutter suction dredgers:Cutter power ≥500 kilowatts, dredging depth ≥15 meters, total installed power ≥2000 kilowatts;
(c) Bucket dredgers:Bucket capacity ≥4 cubic meters, digging depth ≥15 meters;
(d) Sand suction dredgers:Hold capacity ≥500 cubic meters, total installed power ≥1000 kW;
(e) Self-propelled self-dumping hopper barges:Hold capacity ≥1000 cubic meters, equipped with bow discharging function and self-dumping devices.

All the above-mentioned dredgers must obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce before export.

Registration requirements for export operators

Any operator intending to engage in dredger export business must register with the Ministry of Commerce. Unregistered entities and individuals are not permitted to conduct dredger export business.

Documents required for export license application

When applying for an export license, operators must submit the following documents:

(a) Identity documents of the legal representative, key management personnel, and handling personnel;
(b) Copy of the contract or agreement;
(c) Technical specifications of the dredger;
(d) End-user certificate and end-use certificate;
(e) Other documents required by the Ministry of Commerce.

Issuance of export license

After review by the Ministry of Commerce, qualified export operators will obtain a Dual-Use Items and Technologies Export License, which is a necessary procedure for dredger export.

Customs procedures

When completing export customs formalities, operators must present the Dual-Use Items and Technologies Export License and comply with relevant provisions of the Customs Law of the Peoples Republic of China.