BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new measures aimed at countering the United States, notably tightening controls over drone exports. Additionally, it placed restrictions on dealings with seven American entities. These measures came into effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology imports and export controls. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that controlled drones, their essential components, and associated technologies will now undergo more rigorous export reviews directed at the U.S. market. These regulations pertain to items already included in China’s dual-use export control framework. However, they do not constitute a total ban on Chinese drone exports to the United States.
Exporters will now need to obtain approval for each shipment involving covered items instead of relying on streamlined licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended purposes in accordance with existing export control regulations. The scope encompasses unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication gear, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The new restrictions intensify oversight specifically on controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperative activities with six U.S. entities. These 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 backing U.S. measures related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order also banned Compliance Testing LLC from business activities. China claimed that the Arizona-based testing company supported Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has initiated a nationwide security probe into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The investigation targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that incorporate foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will assess import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security. The Ministry of Commerce may utilize methods such as questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The process must be concluded within 12 months, though Chinese law allows extensions under special circumstances.
Separately, China halted arrangements permitting U.S. certification bodies to carry out follow-up factory inspections under its mandatory product certification regime. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change affects the inspection process necessary for maintaining China Compulsory Certification on certain products. Manufacturers may need to seek approval from other authorized bodies to complete required factory inspections. The measure does not cancel existing certifications or bar all U.S. products from entering China.
US Actions Spur Chinese Response
China linked these measures to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S. market, later allowing limited exceptions for certain toy drones and select models. On July 31, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Goods associated with listed entities face a legal presumption against entry into the United States under the law.
Chinese officials described the countermeasures as cautious and called on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The restrictions took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also started on the same day. No Chinese directive specifically named individual drone manufacturers or halted all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the new rules impose tighter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven specified U.S. entities, while the office equipment review continues under investigation.