BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China unveiled new countermeasures targeting the United States, which include tighter restrictions on drone-related exports. The country also imposed bans on dealings with seven American entities. These measures became effective on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology imports and export controls. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that controlled drones, essential components, and related technological items will now undergo more rigorous review processes before export to the U.S. This regulation applies to products already encompassed by China’s dual-use export control framework, and it does not prohibit all Chinese drone exports to the American market.
Instead of streamlined licensing, exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of controlled items. The authorities will assess the end users, intended applications, and product details under existing export control guidelines. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, crucial parts, and technologies meeting China’s thresholds for controlled items. China currently regulates certain drone engines, sensors, communications devices, and anti-drone systems, and it also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The recent measures intensify scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
Furthermore, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or collaborations 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 officials accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. In addition, a separate order has banned Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings. China stated that the Arizona-based testing firm had supported Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese technology companies.
Broader Export Controls Extend Beyond Drone Regulations
China has launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment equipped with foreign-developed system software. The probe focuses on imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that incorporate foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will analyze import dependency, domestic demand, and potential security risks. The Ministry of Commerce might employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations during the process. The investigation is scheduled to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
Additionally, China has halted arrangements allowing U.S. certification agencies to carry out subsequent factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese bodies can no longer assign these inspections to American organizations. This change impacts the inspection procedures used to uphold China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may now need to find alternative approved bodies to perform necessary factory checks. The order does not revoke existing certifications or outright ban all U.S. products from China.
The US Measures Trigger Chinese Counteractions
Beijing linked these new 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 critical components entering the U.S. market, with limited exceptions granted 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, which presumes goods linked to these entities are inadmissible under U.S. law.
Officials in China described the countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The new regulations took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also commenced on the same day. Notably, no order targets specific drone manufacturers nor halts all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the export restrictions involve stricter licensing requirements for controlled drones, parts, and technology. The business restrictions are confined to the seven U.S. entities named, while the office equipment review continues under investigation.