BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – Effective August 5, China has implemented new restrictions on drone exports and imposed sanctions on seven American organizations, following recent US technology and import controls. The move was announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The new measures require tighter examination of shipments related to drones, their vital components, and associated technologies destined for the United States. These controls target items already under China’s dual-use export regulation system but stop short of banning all Chinese drone exports to America.
Exports now demand individual approval instead of streamlined licensing, with authorities conducting evaluations of the products, their end users, and their intended applications under existing export rules. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, crucial parts, and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. Already regulated are certain drone engines, sensors, communications gear, and anti-drone systems. Additionally, civilian drones are prohibited from exports if intended for military use. The recent measures introduce more rigorous scrutiny specifically for controlled items heading to the US.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese entities and individuals from engaging or cooperating with six U.S. organizations. The list encompasses Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese authorities accused these groups of supporting US restrictions tied to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order banned Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings as well, with China claiming that the Arizona-based testing firm supported FCC actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials stated that the review will consider imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and the potential impact on national security. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned inquiries, aiming to conclude within 12 months, with possible extensions under special circumstances.
Meanwhile, China suspended agreements that allowed U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese organizations can no longer assign those inspections to American firms. This change affects the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for applicable products. Manufacturers might need alternative approved bodies to perform the necessary factory inspections. The order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from China.
US Actions Trigger Chinese Countermeasures
China linked these measures to recent moves 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 components entering the US market, allowing limited exceptions for certain toy drones and models. Additionally, on July 31, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, which presumes goods linked to these entities are prohibited from entry under the law.
Chinese officials characterized the countermeasures as restrained and called for Washington to revoke the measures that prompted Beijing’s actions. The measures took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same date. Notably, no Chinese directive names specific drone manufacturers or halts all drone exports to the US; instead, it enforces stricter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The restrictions remain limited to the seven designated U.S. entities, while the office equipment inquiry continues under investigation.