BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of counteractions directed at the United States, which include tighter controls on the export of drones. The country also imposed restrictions on dealings with seven American entities. These measures became effective on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that the export reviews for controlled drones, essential parts, and related technologies destined for the U.S. will now be more stringent. The regulations pertain to items already included in China’s dual-use export control system. However, they do not constitute an outright ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. market.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment that falls under the control list, instead of relying on streamlined licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and their intended uses in accordance with existing export control laws. The new order covers unmanned aerial vehicles, significant components, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already enforces regulations on certain drone engines, communication equipment, sensors, and anti-drone systems. The country also prohibits the export of civilian drones for military applications. The recent step introduces closer scrutiny for controlled items heading specifically to the United States.
In addition, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities. The list includes 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 related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also imposed a business ban on Compliance Testing LLC. China explained that the Arizona-based testing company supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology companies.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains 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 consider imports, domestic demand, reliance on supply chains, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned investigations as part of this process. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law allows for an extension under exceptional circumstances.
In a separate move, China suspended arrangements allowing U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections under its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that Chinese bodies are now barred from delegating those inspections to American organizations. This change affects the inspection process used to maintain China’s Compulsory Certification for certain products. Manufacturers may need to seek alternative approved agencies to complete necessary factory checks. The order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from entering China.
Response to U.S. Policy Actions
The Chinese government connected these countermeasures to recent steps by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and their key components entering the U.S. market, though limited exceptions are now made for certain toy drones and models. Additionally, the U.S. added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list on July 31, which presumes that goods linked to these organizations are barred from U.S. entry under the law.
Chinese officials described these countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The new restrictions took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same day. Importantly, China did not name individual drone manufacturers or impose a total ban on all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the export controls now require stricter licensing procedures for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions currently apply only to the seven named U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.