What products are banned from foreign trade?

In the complex network of international trade, prohibited products in foreign trade have always been a subject of great concern. The ban on such products not only involves complex considerations of national security and international relations, but also directly relates to the sustainability of global business cooperation and the maintenance of public safety. Prohibited products in foreign trade are different from general commodities, and their existence and reasons involve many political, economic, security and other factors.

First, the existence of banned products stems from the common concerns of the international community on a range of key issues, including but not limited to non-proliferation, combating terrorism, and maintaining regional stability. Due to the rapid development of modern technology, some specific products can not only bring benefits to the country, but also be used for malicious purposes and harm global security. Therefore, countries have formulated a series of regulations and policies in the field of foreign trade to restrict or prohibit the export and import of products related to specific fields.

Secondly, the reasons behind the banned products in foreign trade also involve the delicate balance of international relations. Some products may be considered as a potential threat to the political or economic interests of a country or region, so their circulation is prohibited. To some extent, this approach reflects the international community's shared responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability, but it also raises the issue of trade disputes and economic pressure.

Classification of prohibited products in foreign trade

1. Military and security products

Weapons and military equipment

Including firearms, ammunition, missile systems, combat aircraft, tanks and other equipment with obvious military applications.

The export of these products is affected by international arms control agreements and international relations, and many countries impose high restrictions on their exports.

Export restrictions on dual-use articles

Dual-use articles are products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Including certain advanced technologies, materials and equipment, such as nuclear technology, biotechnology, etc., that may be used to manufacture military equipment or weapons of mass destruction.

2. Restrictions in civilian products

Environmentally sensitive product

Products that may have a negative impact on the environment and ecosystems.

For example, the export of certain chemicals, toxic waste, climate control equipment, etc., may be restricted to protect the global environment.

Medical devices and medicines

It involves products that have a greater impact on human health and life.

This includes some highly sensitive medical devices, biological products, specific pharmaceuticals, etc., as they may be misused or used for illegal purposes.

Some food and produce

It involves products that may pose a threat to human health and food safety.

For example, genetically modified foods and agricultural products with excessive residues of harmful pesticides may be subject to international trade restrictions.

International organizations and agreements

A. Relevant United Nations regulations and prohibitions

As an important platform for international affairs, the United Nations plays a key role in the regulation of prohibited products in foreign trade. The United Nations, through its Security Council and other bodies, has established a series of regulations and prohibitions on arms and military equipment aimed at maintaining international peace and security. The Security Council's arms embargo on conflict areas and trade sanctions against terrorists are its main measures in the field of foreign trade embargo. These regulations are designed to contain the expansion of conflict, reduce the destructive power of war, and promote global peace and stability.

B. Provisions of the World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the main organization in the field of international trade, responsible for regulating the global trading system. Through multilateral trade agreements, members of the WTO have established regulations on prohibited products in foreign trade. The WTO emphasizes free and fair trade and ensures that trade restrictive measures do not become unjustified barriers to trade. WTO rules cover a number of areas such as dual-use goods and environmentally sensitive products, aiming to balance the interests of international trade and promote the healthy and sustainable development of global trade.

C. The impact of regional organizations and agreements

In addition to the United Nations and the WTO, a number of regional organizations and agreements also play a role in the regulation of prohibited products in foreign trade. Regional organizations such as the European Union, ASEAN, and the African Union have developed some specific regulations to suit the special needs and circumstances of their respective regions. These organizations maintain security and stability in the region by coordinating policies among member states and jointly addressing transnational issues, such as terrorism and illicit trade.

Ban policies by country

American export controls

The United States has strict export controls on prohibited products, which are overseen by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The United States has restrictions on the export of military and dual-use technologies, including high-tech products related to nuclear energy, biotechnology, information security and other fields. Export restrictions are also governed by laws such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Act (ECA), These regulations give the U.S. government the authority to restrict the export of specific products based on national security and foreign policy needs. In addition, the United States maintains international peace and security by imposing arms embargoes on individual countries, among other measures.

Regulations of the European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union made up of several European countries, and the European Commission is responsible for the development and enforcement of regulations on prohibited products in foreign trade. The European Union's export control system covers a wide range of fields, including military equipment, dual-use items and nuclear technology. The EU operates a joint export control policy to ensure coherence among member States in this regard. At the same time, the EU also responds to crises and conflicts in international affairs through sanctions and other means.

Export administration policy of our country

China has implemented a series of export management policies for prohibited products in foreign trade, which are mainly supervised by a number of agencies led by The State Council, such as the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce. China's export administration policies mainly include the Foreign Trade Law, the Regulations on the Administration of the Export of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies and other laws and regulations. These regulations specify export controls for military and dual-use technologies, as well as regulations for environmentally sensitive products and products with limited intellectual property rights. Through these policies, China has guaranteed the stability and security of foreign trade and complied with international trade rules.

The export management policies of these countries aim to balance the interests of economic development, national security and international relations, and ensure the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of all countries in the globalized trade environment.