BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China unveiled new measures aimed at countering recent US policies, notably tightening restrictions on drone export controls. The country also imposed bans on dealings with seven American entities. These steps took effect on August 5, following recent US restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that exports of controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more rigorous review before shipment to the US. These regulations pertain to items already under China’s dual-use export control system and do not amount to a total ban on all Chinese drone exports to the US market.
Exporters are now required to seek approval for each shipment involving these items rather than relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, their end users, and intended applications under existing export control rules. The new policy covers unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies that meet China’s control thresholds. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military purposes. The recent measures introduce increased scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
In addition, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six US entities. The entities include 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 US restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, a separate order has barred Compliance Testing LLC from business activities. China claims the Arizona-based testing company supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology firms.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drone-Related Items
China has also initiated a national security review into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The investigation focuses on imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials stated the review will analyze imports, domestic demand, supply dependence, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned investigations. The process is expected to conclude within 12 months, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances according to Chinese law.
Separately, China suspended arrangements that permitted US certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections as part of its compulsory product certification system. 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 covered products. Manufacturers might need to engage other approved bodies to carry out necessary factory inspections. The order does not invalidate existing certifications or ban all US products from China.
US Actions Trigger China’s Countermeasures
The Chinese government linked these new restrictions to recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the US market, although it later allowed some exceptions for specific toy drones and models. Additionally, on July 31, the US added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Goods associated with those entities face a presumption against entry into the US under the law.
Chinese officials characterized these countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to revoke the measures cited by Beijing. The new policies took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment review, which commenced on the same day. No Chinese directive explicitly targeted individual drone manufacturers or banned all drone exports to the US. Instead, the export restrictions impose tighter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven specified US entities, while the office equipment investigation remains ongoing.