BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On August 5, China enforced new measures in response to recent U.S. restrictions, notably tightening controls over exports related to drones. The country also imposed bans on dealings with seven American entities. These steps follow recent U.S. technology and import limitations. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that export reviews for controlled drones, critical components, and associated technologies will be more rigorous when destined for the United States. These regulations pertain to items already covered under China’s dual-use export control system, but they do not constitute a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone exports to the U.S. market.
Exports now require approval on a case-by-case basis, replacing streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate each shipment based on product details, end users, and intended applications according to existing export control regulations. The scope encompasses unmanned aerial vehicles, essential parts, and technologies meeting China’s thresholds for controlled items. China has previously regulated certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. Additionally, civilian drones are barred from exports for military use. The new measures introduce increased scrutiny specifically targeting controlled products headed to the United States.
Furthermore, Beijing has 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. sanctions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order bans Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings as well. China stated that the Arizona-based testing firm had supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology firms.
Export restrictions extend beyond drones
China has initiated a national security review concerning imported office equipment that incorporates foreign-developed system software. The investigation encompasses imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Authorities indicated that the review will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and implications for national security. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The process is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law allows for extensions under special circumstances.
In addition, China has suspended the arrangements permitting U.S. certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections as part of its compulsory product certification system. According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change impacts the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers might need to work with other approved inspection bodies to complete mandatory factory assessments. The order does not invalidate existing certifications nor does it completely ban U.S. products from entering China.
US actions prompted China’s response
China associated these new measures with recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and their key components entering the U.S. market, although it later permitted exceptions for specific toy drones and certain models. On July 31, U.S. authorities also added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Goods linked to these entities are presumed to face restrictions under U.S. law, preventing their entry.
Chinese officials described the countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The restrictions took effect immediately, except for the office equipment review, which started on the same day. No individual drone manufacturers were named, nor was there a complete halt to all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the new export controls demand stricter licensing for controlled drones, components, and related technologies. The targeted bans are limited to the seven specified U.S. entities, with the office equipment investigation still ongoing.