BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced new measures aimed at countering the United States, including tighter restrictions on exports of drones and related technologies. Seven American entities are now subject to business restrictions. These policies took effect on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters are required to obtain approval for controlled drones, key components, and related technologies heading to the US. This does not mean all Chinese drone shipments are halted. Instead, products falling under these controls are now subject to a more detailed, case-by-case review within China’s current dual-use export framework.
The simplified licensing procedures previously available for such shipments to the US are no longer valid. Chinese authorities will now scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and intended use before issuing approval. Existing regulations already cover certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed for counter-unmanned aircraft. China also bans the export of civilian drones for military use. The latest restrictions introduce a specific review process for drone products and technologies bound for the United States.
In addition, Beijing prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business activities with six US entities. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials linked these restrictions to US actions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, which China claimed supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology companies.
Part of a wider set of measures, drone controls are included in broader security actions
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunction office devices. The review focuses on equipment that utilizes operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will evaluate factors such as import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and national security issues. The investigation may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research. Under Chinese regulations, this process can last up to 12 months, with extensions permitted under special circumstances.
Separately, an order changed inspection procedures under China’s compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has prohibited designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US organizations. These inspections are crucial for maintaining product certification in China. Now, companies must select other approved inspection providers when factory audits are required. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose an outright ban on American products entering China.
Beijing links the new restrictions to recent US actions
China connected its countermeasures to recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and essential components entering the US market. Additionally, US authorities have expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. On July 31, they added 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list, which creates a legal presumption against their products entering the United States.
The Chinese government characterized these measures as a proportional response. It called on Washington to withdraw the restrictions cited in its announcement. The rules concerning drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification modifications became effective immediately. The investigation into office equipment also commenced on August 5. None of these orders specify a particular Chinese drone manufacturer or entirely ban all drone exports to the US. Instead, they target controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office equipment.