BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of retaliatory measures aimed at the United States, notably including tighter controls over exports related to drones. Additionally, Chinese authorities imposed restrictions on transactions with seven American companies. These measures came into effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology imports and exports. China’s Ministry of Commerce specified that exports of controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more stringent review processes before they can be sent to the U.S. The new rules pertain to items already encompassed within China’s dual-use export control framework. However, they do not amount to an outright ban on all Chinese drone exports to the American market.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each individual shipment that falls under these controls, instead of utilizing streamlined licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended uses based on existing export control regulations. This order specifically targets unmanned aerial vehicles, along with crucial parts and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communications equipment, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and it also prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military applications. The recent move increases scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
In addition to the drone export controls, Beijing 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 backing U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also banned Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings; China stated that the Arizona-based testing firm supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology companies.
Expansion of Export Restrictions Beyond Drones
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that incorporates foreign-developed system software. The probe includes printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials explained that the review will assess import volume, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and the potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ methods such as questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned inquiries. The investigation has a 12-month timeline, with the possibility of extension if necessary under Chinese law.
Separately, China halted arrangements that previously permitted U.S. certification agencies to perform follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that approved Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change affects the process for maintaining China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may now need to seek other approved bodies for their required factory audits. The order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it prohibit all U.S. products from entering China.
U.S. Measures Spark Chinese Countermeasures
China linked the recent measures to actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S. market, although it later allowed limited exceptions for certain toy drones and specific models. Additionally, on July 31, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, which presumes goods connected to listed entities are inadmissible under U.S. law.
Chinese officials characterized the countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The measures took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same date. It is important to note that China did not specify individual drone manufacturers nor did it halt all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the new export rules impose more rigorous licensing procedures for controlled drones, components, and related technologies. The restrictions are limited to the seven U.S. entities named, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.