BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new measures targeting the United States, including enhanced controls on the export of drones. Additionally, it imposed restrictions on dealings with seven American entities. These measures came into force on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology imports and exports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that the export of controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo stricter review processes before being shipped to the U.S. This regulation pertains to items already regulated under China’s dual-use export control system and does not constitute an outright ban on all Chinese drone exports to the U.S.
Exporters are required to seek approval for each shipment involving these items, rather than utilizing simplified licensing procedures. Authorities will assess the product details, end users, and intended applications according to existing export control laws. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, their significant parts, and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication gear, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits the export of civilian drones for military use. The latest measures introduce closer oversight specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
Furthermore, Beijing has banned Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities. The list comprises Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The Chinese government accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also restricted Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings; China claims the Arizona-based testing firm supported Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese tech firms.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has initiated a national security review of imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. This investigation covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated the review will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and implications for national security. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned studies to complete the review, which is expected to conclude within 12 months, with potential extensions permitted under Chinese law.
In addition, China has suspended arrangements allowing U.S. certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections under its mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change affects the process used to maintain China’s Compulsory Certification for regulated products. Manufacturers might need to find alternative approved bodies for factory inspections, although existing certifications remain valid, and U.S. products are not entirely banned from the Chinese market.
Response to U.S. Policy Actions
China linked its latest measures to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S., with some exceptions for toy drones and specific models. Additionally, as of July 31, the U.S. added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Goods from listed entities are presumed legally ineligible for U.S. entry under the law.
Chinese officials described their countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The new restrictions took effect immediately, apart from the office equipment review, which also commenced on the same day. No individual drone manufacturers or total export bans were specified by China; rather, the export controls now require more stringent licensing for controlled drones, parts, and technologies. The restrictions primarily target the seven designated U.S. entities, and the office equipment review remains ongoing, pending further investigation.