BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – In response to recent U.S. policies, China announced new measures on Wednesday aimed at tightening restrictions on drone exports and limiting cooperation with specific American organizations. These measures, which came into effect on August 5, follow the implementation of recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated that exports of controlled drones, essential parts, and related technologies will now be subject to more rigorous U.S.-bound review procedures. The new rules pertain to items already regulated under China’s dual-use export control framework. Importantly, these measures do not establish an outright ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. market.
Exporters will be required to obtain approval for each shipment of controlled items, rather than utilizing streamlined licensing processes. Authorities will assess the products, their end users, and intended applications under existing export control laws. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, critical components, and technologies that meet China’s designated thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and it also prohibits the export of civilian drones for military use. The recent step introduces closer scrutiny specifically targeting controlled products destined for the United States.
Additionally, Beijing has banned Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in transactions or collaborations with six U.S. organizations. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions linked to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, a separate order extended the same business prohibitions to Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing company accused of aiding Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology firms.
Export controls broadened beyond drones
China has also initiated 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 stated that the review will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply dependencies, and potential impacts on national security. The Ministry of Commerce might employ tools such as questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations. This process is scheduled to conclude within 12 months, with Chinese law permitting extensions under special circumstances.
Separately, China has suspended arrangements that previously allowed U.S.-certified organizations to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American entities. This change affects the procedures used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may need to seek alternative approved agencies to complete necessary factory checks. Importantly, this order does not revoke existing certifications or outright ban U.S. products from entering China.
U.S. measures triggered Beijing’s counteraction
Beijing linked its recent actions to measures taken by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has imposed restrictions on approvals for new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the U.S. market, later allowing limited exemptions for certain toy drones and specific models. Moreover, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list on July 31, which presumes goods connected to these entities are inadmissible under U.S. law.
Chinese officials described their countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The new regulations took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also commenced on the same day. Notably, China’s measures do not target individual drone manufacturers nor do they prohibit all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they require stricter licensing procedures for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven specified U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.