BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new retaliatory measures against the United States, including tighter export controls on drones and restrictions on business dealings with seven American organizations. These measures became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters are now required to secure approval for controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies headed to the United States. This directive does not stop all Chinese drone exports but instead subjects certain products to a more rigorous, case-by-case review within China’s existing dual-use export framework.
The use of simplified licensing procedures for shipments covered by these new restrictions to the U.S. market has been eliminated. Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and intended purpose before issuing approval. Current regulations already regulate specific drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China now prohibits the export of civilian drones for military applications. The latest regulation introduces a mandatory review process for controlled drone-related products and technologies destined for the U.S.
Beijing has also barred Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in transactions with six U.S. organizations, including Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. These restrictions are linked to recent U.S. actions concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. In a separate measure, Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, was also targeted. China claimed that the company supported Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese technology companies.
Drone export restrictions part of a wider package
China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. This inquiry focuses on devices utilizing operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will review factors such as import volumes, domestic demand, supply dependency, and national security risks. To conduct this review, officials may employ questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned studies. The investigation can last up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances.
A separate ruling altered the inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has suspended designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. organizations. These inspections are vital for maintaining certification status for products sold within China. Now, companies must utilize alternative approved inspection providers for these checks. The order does not cancel existing certifications nor does it impose an outright ban on American products entering China.
Beijing attributes recent U.S. restrictions to its actions
The Chinese government linked the new countermeasures to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for certain new foreign-manufactured drones and key components entering the American market. The U.S. has also expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list on July 31. Products associated with these entities now face a legal presumption against entry into the U.S.
China characterized the measures as a calibrated response and called on Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in its announcement. The new drone export controls, entity restrictions, and certification modifications took effect immediately, while the investigation into office equipment began on August 5. These measures do not specify any particular Chinese drone manufacturer nor do they ban all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they target controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.