BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new countermeasures against the United States, primarily involving tighter restrictions on drone exports. Additionally, it limited interactions with seven American organizations. These measures became effective on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that controlled drones, their vital parts, and associated technologies will now undergo more rigorous review processes before export to the U.S. The new rules target items already encompassed by China’s dual-use export control framework. However, they do not impose a complete ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. market.
From now on, exporters are required to obtain approval for each individual shipment of controlled items, instead of relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will scrutinize the products, their end users, and intended applications in accordance with existing export control regulations. The regulation covers unmanned aerial vehicles, crucial components, and technologies meeting China’s controlled-item criteria. China already monitors certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. Moreover, civilian drones are prohibited from export if intended for military use. The recent step introduces enhanced oversight specifically targeting controlled products destined for the United States.
In parallel, Beijing prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or collaborations 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 aiding U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order extended the same business restrictions to Compliance Testing LLC. China claimed that the Arizona-based testing firm had supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese tech firms.
Broader Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The investigation encompasses imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce might employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned inquiries. This probe is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
At the same time, China has halted arrangements allowing U.S. certification bodies to carry out follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer assign these inspections to American firms. This change affects the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may need to use other approved bodies to complete required factory inspections. Importantly, this order does not cancel existing certifications or ban all U.S. products from China.
US Actions Spark Response from China
Beijing linked these new measures to recent actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key parts entering the U.S. market, with limited exceptions 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, creating a legal presumption against their goods entering the U.S. under the law.
Officials in China described their countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The new policies took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also started on the same date. Notably, no individual drone manufacturers were targeted, nor was there an outright ban on all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, export licensing for controlled drones, components, and technologies has been tightened. The restrictions primarily affect the seven listed U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.