BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced new measures aimed at limiting U.S. access to its drone technology and restricting dealings with seven American organizations. These regulations became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters must seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and related technologies headed to the United States. This directive does not stop all Chinese drone shipments but introduces a more rigorous case-by-case review process within China’s existing dual-use export control framework for certain products.
The new rules eliminate the ability of exporters to use simplified licensing procedures for shipments to the U.S. market. Before granting approval, Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and intended application. Already, regulations cover specific drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China bans the export of civilian drones for military purposes. The latest measures impose an explicit review requirement for controlled drone products and technologies destined for the U.S.
Chinese authorities also barred organizations and individuals from engaging in business with six U.S. entities. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The restrictions were linked by Chinese officials to U.S. measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, a separate order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, which China accused of supporting Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese technology firms.
Drone restrictions part of a wider strategic package
China also initiated a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunction office devices. This review encompasses equipment that runs on operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce plans to evaluate import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security concerns. The process may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research. According to Chinese regulations, the investigation can last up to 12 months, with extensions granted under exceptional circumstances.
A separate policy change modified inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has barred designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. organizations. Such inspections are essential for maintaining certification for products sold within China. Companies are now required to select alternative approved inspection providers when factory reviews are mandated. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose an outright ban on U.S. products entering China.
Beijing attributes recent U.S. policies as justification for countermeasures
China linked these measures to recent actions taken by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the American market. U.S. authorities also expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. As of July 31, they added 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list. Products associated with those entities face a presumption against entry into the United States.
The Chinese government described the new package as a measured response and called on Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in its announcement. The rules concerning drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification procedures became effective immediately. The investigation into office equipment also commenced on August 5. None of the measures specifically names a Chinese drone manufacturer or bans all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they target controlled products, specific American organizations, and foreign-associated software used in imported office devices.