BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of measures aimed at countering US actions, tightening export controls on drone-related products and imposing restrictions on seven American entities. These policies became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated that exporters must seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and associated technologies headed to the United States. The directive does not stop all Chinese drone shipments but enforces a more rigorous, case-by-case review process within China’s existing dual-use export framework for certain products.
Simplified licensing procedures are no longer available for shipments covered under these new rules to the US. Authorities will evaluate each product, buyer, end user, and purpose before issuing clearance. Existing regulations already cover specific drone engines, communication equipment, sensors, and devices designed for counter-unmanned aircraft systems. China also bans the export of civilian drones for military use. The recent policy introduces a detailed review requirement for controlled drone technologies and products destined for the US market.
Beijing additionally prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business with six US entities. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The restrictions were linked by Chinese officials to US measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Another order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, which China said supported Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese technology firms.
Drone restrictions part of wider policy measures
China has also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. This probe covers equipment that incorporates operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will analyze import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security issues. The process may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory visits, and commissioned research. According to Chinese regulations, the investigation can last up to 12 months, with extensions available under particular circumstances.
A separate change altered inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation prohibited designated Chinese certification agencies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US-based organizations. Such inspections are essential for maintaining certification for products sold in China. Moving forward, companies will need to select other approved inspection providers when factory reviews are mandated. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it outright ban US products from entering China.
Beijing links measures to recent US restrictions
The Chinese government connected these countermeasures to recent US actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has imposed limitations on approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and vital components entering the US market. Additionally, US authorities expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the enforcement list on July 31. Items associated with these entities face a legal presumption against entry into the US.
China described its response as measured and called for Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in its statement. The new rules on drone exports, entity bans, and certification processes took effect immediately, with the investigation into office equipment also starting on August 5. None of the measures name specific Chinese drone manufacturers nor do they ban all drone exports to the US. Instead, the restrictions focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.