BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of measures aimed at tightening export controls on drones and limiting interactions with seven American companies. These new restrictions, effective from August 5, specify that Chinese exporters must secure approval before shipping controlled drones, major components, and related technology to the United States. China’s Ministry of Commerce clarified that not all drone shipments are halted but are now subject to a more rigorous, case-by-case review process within China’s existing dual-use export control framework.
Simplified licensing procedures are no longer available for shipments covered by these new rules to the US. The Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, purchaser, end user, and intended application before granting approval. Existing regulations already regulate certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China has prohibited the export of civilian drones intended for military purposes. The recent directive introduces a specific requirement for detailed review of controlled drone products and technologies heading to the United States.
Beijing has also banned Chinese entities and individuals from conducting transactions with six U.S. organizations, namely Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. These restrictions are linked by Chinese officials to U.S. measures related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, which China said supported Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese tech companies.
Part of Broader Measures, Drone Restrictions Highlighted
China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office machines. This review encompasses devices that rely on software, drivers, or operating systems developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will evaluate import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and national security implications. The process may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory visits, and commissioned research, with an initial duration of 12 months, extendable under special circumstances.
In addition, a separate decision altered the inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation now prohibits designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S.-based organizations. These inspections are essential for maintaining product certification for sales in China. Chinese companies are now required to use alternative approved inspection agencies for such factory reviews. Importantly, this order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose a blanket ban on American products entering China.
Official Justifications for the Countermeasures
The Chinese government tied these counteractions to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for certain foreign-made drones and critical components seeking entry into the U.S. market. Additionally, restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act have been expanded, with 43 Chinese entities added to the law’s enforcement list as of July 31. Products linked to these entities are presumed legally barred from U.S. entry.
The Chinese authorities described the set of measures as a calibrated response and called on Washington to rescind the restrictions mentioned in its announcement. The new rules for drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification procedures became effective immediately. The investigation into office equipment also commenced on August 5. Neither of these orders explicitly targets any specific Chinese drone manufacturer nor bans all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-connected software used in imported office devices.