China introduced temporary export prohibition controls on helium under Announcement No. 29 of 2026, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs on 10 July 2026. The measure concerns the specified customs commodity code and should not be confused with a general ban on domestic production or use. It also does not mean that helium is toxic or flammable.

What does the export measure mean?

The announcement covers helium under customs commodity code 2804290010. Companies involved in export, re-export, customs declaration or cross-border supply should verify the actual product state, purity, packaging, tariff classification and transaction structure with the competent authorities or a qualified customs adviser.

What is helium?

Helium (He, CAS 7440-59-7) is a colourless, odourless, monatomic noble gas. It is chemically inert, non-flammable and does not support combustion. Its main hazards arise from oxygen displacement, pressure and, for liquid helium, extreme cold.

• Boiling point: approximately -268.9°C.
• Density: much lighter than air, although it can still create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Stability: normally unreactive.
• Primary hazards: asphyxiation, high-pressure cylinders and cryogenic burns.

Why is helium difficult to replace?

Helium is used in semiconductor processing, leak testing, gas chromatography, welding, aerospace pressure systems, scientific cryogenics and cooling for some superconducting magnets. Export controls can therefore affect pricing, lead times, inventory planning and customer communication throughout advanced manufacturing and research supply chains.

Three hazards that an SDS must explain

Oxygen deficiency

Helium has little conventional toxicity, but a large release can displace oxygen without colour or odour warning. Laboratories, cylinder rooms and enclosed equipment areas may require mechanical ventilation and oxygen monitoring. Do not enter a suspected oxygen-deficient area to rescue a casualty without appropriate supplied-air respiratory protection and a rescue plan.

High pressure

Compressed helium is commonly classified as a gas under pressure and may carry H280: contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. Cylinders should be secured upright, protected from heat and impact, and moved with a suitable cylinder trolley. Regulators, fittings and hoses must match the service pressure.

Cryogenic exposure

Liquid helium can cause severe cold burns and embrittle ordinary materials. Rapid vaporisation can also over-pressurise trapped spaces. Use approved dewars, valves and transfer lines, reliable pressure relief, a face shield and suitable cryogenic gloves.

Key SDS checks

1. Match the product name, supplier and emergency number in Section 1.
2. Classify the actual physical state in Section 2: compressed, liquefied or refrigerated liquefied gas.
3. State purity and classification-relevant impurities in Section 3.
4. Cover asphyxiation and cryogenic injury in Section 4.
5. Include cylinder restraint, ventilation, heat protection and backflow prevention in Section 7.
6. Address oxygen monitoring and cryogenic PPE in Section 8.
7. Use the correct UN number and proper shipping name for the supplied form in Section 14.
8. Keep export-control information separate from GHS hazard classification in Section 15.

Company action list

Review tariff codes and trade routes; align the SDS, cylinder label, purchase name, customs description and customer specifications; assess ventilation and oxygen alarms; train liquid-helium users; and communicate the policy accurately without describing it as a general prohibition on helium.

Sources

• MOFCOM and GACC Announcement No. 29 of 2026
• NIST Chemistry WebBook: helium
• NIOSH Pocket Guide: helium

Related services: Visit our SDS FAQs or contact Anjian for SDS review and market adaptation.

Disclaimer: This article is general information and is not legal advice, a customs ruling or a product-specific SDS. Assess the actual product state, supply arrangement and latest authority requirements.