BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a set of measures aimed at curbing certain activities involving the United States, including tighter export controls on drone-related technology and restrictions on dealings with seven American organizations. These measures became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce clarified that exporters must seek approval before shipping controlled drones, key components, and related tech to the US. The new order does not stop all Chinese drone exports but subjects selected products to more detailed case-by-case reviews within China’s existing dual-use export system.
Starting from this date, exporters are no longer permitted to use simplified licensing procedures for shipments intended for the US market. Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and intended application prior to issuing approval. Existing regulations already cover certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed for countering unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China prohibits the export of civilian drones for military use. The recent restrictions introduce a specific requirement for detailed review of controlled drone products and technologies headed for the United States.
In Beijing, officials also announced bans on Chinese entities and individuals engaging in business with six US organizations. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The government linked these restrictions to recent US measures concerning alleged forced labor practices in Xinjiang. Moreover, an extra order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing service. China stated that this company supported actions by the Federal Communications Commission affecting Chinese tech companies.
Part of a wider set of measures involving drone controls
China has also initiated a nationwide security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunction office devices. The probe covers equipment that utilizes operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce plans to review import volumes, local demand, supply dependencies, and national security issues. Authorities may employ questionnaires, hearings, factory visits, and commissioned research during this process. The investigation can last up to 12 months, with extensions allowed under exceptional circumstances.
In a related move, China altered inspection procedures under its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has barred designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US-based organizations. These inspections are essential for maintaining product certification standards for items sold within China. Now, companies must use other approved inspection providers when factory reviews are required. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose a general ban on American products entering China.
Beijing connects the new measures to recent US actions
China linked its recent countermeasures to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and key components entering the US. Additionally, US authorities broadened restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to its enforcement list on July 31. Products associated with these entities are presumed inadmissible into the United States under law.
The Chinese government described these actions as a proportional response and urged Washington to revoke the restrictions outlined in its announcement. The regulations on drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification changes took effect immediately, while the investigation into office equipment also started on August 5. None of the measures explicitly names a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or bans all drone exports to the US. Instead, they focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.