BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced new measures aimed at countering recent U.S. restrictions, including tighter oversight of drone-related exports. The country also restricted dealings with seven American entities. These measures became effective on August 5, in response to recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. The ministry stated that controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more rigorous export reviews when destined for the U.S. The regulations apply to items already regulated under China’s dual-use export control framework and do not constitute an outright ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the United States.
Manufacturers must obtain approval for each shipment of these controlled items rather than relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate products, end users, and intended uses based on existing export control laws. This order covers unmanned aerial vehicles, crucial components, and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. China has already regulated certain drone engines, sensors, communication devices, and anti-drone systems. Furthermore, it prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military purposes. The new restrictions introduce heightened scrutiny specifically targeting controlled products headed for the United States.
Beijing has also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also bans Compliance Testing LLC from business with China. The government explained that the Arizona-based testing firm supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology companies.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has also initiated a national security review concerning imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The investigation covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices utilizing foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials stated the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply dependence, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The process is expected to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
In a separate move, China suspended arrangements that previously allowed U.S. certification agencies to perform follow-up factory inspections within its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese organizations can no longer delegate these inspections to American bodies. This change impacts the inspection process for maintaining China Compulsory Certification for certain products. Manufacturers might need to use alternative approved agencies for factory inspections. The order does not revoke existing certifications or ban all U.S. products from China.
Reaction to U.S. Policy Measures
The Chinese government linked its new measures to recent actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S. market, later permitting limited exceptions for certain toy drones and specific models. Additionally, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list on July 31, which presumes goods linked to these entities are inadmissible under U.S. law.
Chinese officials described their countermeasures as restrained and called for Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The new policies took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also commenced on the same day. The measures do not target individual drone manufacturers nor impose an outright ban on all drone exports. Instead, they impose stricter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The restrictions currently affect only the seven specified U.S. entities, with the office equipment review ongoing under separate investigation.