BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of retaliatory measures targeting the United States, including tighter restrictions on drone-related exports and limitations on dealings with seven American organizations. These new policies came into force on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters must secure approval for controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies headed to the US. This directive does not halt all Chinese drone shipments; instead, it subjects covered items to more rigorous, case-by-case reviews within China’s existing dual-use export framework.
The simplification of licensing processes for covered shipments to the US is now discontinued. Authorities will evaluate each product, buyer, end user, and intended application before issuing approval. Existing regulations already govern certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. China has also banned civilian drones from being exported for military use. The recent action introduces an explicit review requirement for controlled drone products and technologies destined for the United States.
Beijing has also restricted Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business with six US entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Officials in China linked these restrictions to US measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Additionally, an order was issued against Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, citing its support for Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese technology firms.
Drone Export Controls Part of a Larger Strategy
China has also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. This investigation targets units that utilize operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and national security implications. The process may include questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research, with a maximum duration of 12 months, extendable under specific circumstances.
A separate decision altered inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification regime. The State Administration for Market Regulation has barred certain Chinese certification agencies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US firms. These inspections are necessary for maintaining certification for products sold in China. Companies are now required to select other approved inspection providers when factory reviews are mandated. The order does not revoke existing certifications, nor does it impose an outright ban on American products entering China.
Chinese Officials Justify Measures Amid US Restrictions
The Chinese government linked its recent actions to the latest moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has imposed restrictions on approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and key components entering the US. Furthermore, US authorities expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list as of July 31. Products associated with these listed entities are presumed to face barriers to entry into the United States.
In response, China described its measures as calibrated responses and called on Washington to rescind the restrictions cited in its announcement. The rules concerning drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification procedures took effect immediately, while the office equipment investigation also began on August 5. Notably, none of these measures single out a specific Chinese drone manufacturer nor do they ban all drone exports to the US. Instead, they primarily target controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.
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