BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China unveiled new countermeasures against the United States, which include enhanced restrictions on drone-related exports. Additionally, the country imposed bans on dealings with seven American entities. These regulations took effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that controlled drones, their key components, and associated technologies will now be subjected to more rigorous export review processes when shipped to the U.S. These new rules apply to items already covered under China’s dual-use export control system. However, they do not establish a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone exports to the U.S. market.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each individual shipment of controlled items instead of relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, their end users, and the intended purposes in accordance with existing export control regulations. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates specific drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The recent measures introduce even closer oversight specifically targeting controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing has also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities. The list features 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 linked to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also bans Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings. China stated that the Arizona-based testing firm had backed Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology companies.
Expansion of export controls beyond drone technology
China has initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment that features foreign-developed system software. The probe targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will assess import volumes, domestic demand, supply dependencies, and the potential impact on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations to gather information. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
In a separate move, China has suspended arrangements that previously allowed U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections required for its compulsory product certification system. 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 used to uphold China’s Compulsory Certification for affected products. Manufacturers may need to engage other approved bodies to carry out necessary factory audits. The order does not revoke existing certifications or ban all U.S. products from entering China.
U.S. actions prompted China’s new restrictions
China attributed the new measures to recent initiatives by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and crucial components entering the U.S. market. It later provided limited exceptions for certain toy drones and selected models. Additionally, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list on July 31. Goods linked to these listed organizations are presumed to face restrictions under the law preventing their entry into the United States.
Chinese officials described the countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The regulations took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which commenced on the same day. No Chinese directive specifically named individual drone manufacturers or banned all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the new export controls enforce stricter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and related technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven named U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.