BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China introduced new measures in response to the United States, tightening restrictions on drone-related exports. The government also imposed limitations on dealings with seven American organizations. These measures took effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that controlled drones, essential parts, and associated technologies will now face more rigorous export reviews destined for the U.S. market. The regulations apply to items already under China’s dual-use export control system and do not constitute an outright ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the United States.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of controlled items instead of relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended uses based on existing export control regulations. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, key components, and technologies meeting China’s controlled-item thresholds. China already manages the export of certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The new policy introduces closer scrutiny for controlled products heading specifically to the U.S.
Beijing further prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also banned Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings. China stated that the Arizona-based testing firm supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese tech companies.
Expanding Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, on-site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances according to Chinese law.
Separately, China suspended arrangements allowing U.S. certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections under its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate those inspections to American organizations. This change affects the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers might need to seek alternative approved bodies to complete required factory inspections. The order does not revoke existing certifications or ban all U.S. products from entering China.
US Measures Trigger Chinese Counteractions
China linked these measures to recent actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the U.S. market, later allowing limited exceptions for certain toy drones and models. Additionally, on July 31, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, creating a legal presumption against their goods entering the U.S. under law.
Chinese officials characterized these countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The new rules took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also started on the same day. No individual drone manufacturers were named, nor were all drone exports to the U.S. halted. Instead, stricter licensing now applies to controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions focus on the seven designated U.S. entities, while the office equipment review continues under investigation.