China announces export controls on tunnel-boring machines, potentially impacting Indian infrastructure projects
NEW DELHI: China on Monday announced new export controls on tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and related items, citing the need to safeguard national security and interests.
The measures will take effect from 18 November 2026 and could affect several Indian infrastructure projects that rely on these specialised machines.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that it was “introducing export controls on tunnel-boring machines and related items and optimising and adjusting export-control measures for certain dredgers and related items.”
The ministry noted that the controlled items have clear dual-use (civilian and military) characteristics and that the steps would also help China fulfil international non-proliferation obligations.
Scope of the Controls
In addition to TBMs, the restrictions cover walking excavators designed for difficult terrain and plateau-type wet shotcrete machines used in high-altitude construction.
The announcement also updates controls on certain dredger-related equipment, including specific slurry pumps, dragheads and cutterheads that meet defined technical thresholds.
Exporters of the listed items will be required to apply for licences from the Ministry of Commerce under China’s Export Control Law and dual-use item regulations.
They must accurately declare controlled items and provide technical details. Shipments may be held for verification if declarations are incomplete or unclear.
Implications for India
India has long depended on imported TBMs for major infrastructure works, including metro rail networks in several cities, high-speed rail corridors, railway tunnelling and strategically important projects in border areas. Difficulties in obtaining TBMs from China have been reported since at least 2024.
In October 2024, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had publicly raised the issue with visiting German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, noting that China was blocking the export of TBMs manufactured by a German company in China. Indian authorities have previously flagged delays in customs clearance for these machines.
The latest formal controls could further complicate procurement and potentially slow progress on ongoing and planned tunnelling projects.
The TBM announcement comes days after China released a draft plan proposing export restrictions on more than 40 cutting-edge technologies, including certain advanced solar manufacturing processes and some AI-related platforms.
Beijing has framed the latest machinery controls as consistent with international practices and its dual-use export control framework.
China said it had notified relevant countries and regions with which it maintains export-control dialogue mechanisms prior to the announcement.
A ministry spokesperson indicated that licence applications meeting regulatory requirements would be approved and that China remained open to dialogue to facilitate compliant trade.
With limited domestic manufacturing capacity for large-diameter TBMs, Indian project authorities and contractors may need to explore alternative suppliers, accelerate indigenisation efforts, or seek exemptions and clearances under the new Chinese licensing regime.
In the longer term, the episode underlines the need for India to reduce dependence on imported tunnel-boring machines and other specialised construction equipment.
Greater domestic manufacturing capacity and diversified supply sources would help insulate critical infrastructure and strategic projects from future export restrictions or supply disruptions.
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