BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced fresh measures targeting the United States, including stricter controls on drone-related exports and bans on dealings with seven American organizations. These policies became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce clarified that exporters are now required to seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and associated technologies headed to the U.S. The directive does not halt all Chinese drone exports but places the relevant items under a more rigorous review process on a case-by-case basis within China’s existing dual-use export framework.
The simplified licensing procedures previously available for these shipments to the U.S. are no longer permitted. Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, purchaser, end user, and intended purpose before approving export. Existing regulations already regulate certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and counter-unmanned aircraft equipment. Furthermore, China has barred companies from exporting civilian drones for military use. The recent actions add a specific review step for drone products and technologies intended for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in business with six U.S. organizations. The entities include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. These restrictions were linked by Chinese officials to recent U.S. measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing service, which China accused of supporting Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Drone restrictions part of a wider policy package
China has also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. The probe covers equipment utilizing operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will assess import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security risks, possibly employing questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research. The review process can last up to 12 months, with extensions granted under certain conditions.
In addition, a separate decision altered inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has barred designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. firms. These inspections are crucial for maintaining product certification in China. Companies are now required to select other approved inspection providers when factory reviews are mandated. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose an outright ban on U.S. products entering China.
Beijing attributes recent U.S. restrictions to Chinese measures
The Chinese government linked its countermeasures to recent actions 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 U.S. market. Additionally, U.S. authorities expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the enforcement list on July 31. Items associated with these entities are presumed to be prohibited from entry into the United States under law.
China described its measures as a proportionate response and urged Washington to lift the restrictions mentioned in its announcement. The drone export controls, entity bans, and certification changes took effect immediately. The investigation into office equipment also commenced on August 5. None of the measures specifically name a Chinese drone manufacturer nor do they ban all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they focus on controlled products, particular American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.