BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – Effective immediately, China has tightened restrictions on the export of drones and related technologies, responding to recent measures imposed by the United States. The new policies, which came into force on August 5, also prohibit dealings with seven American entities. These actions follow recent U.S. restrictions on technology imports and export controls. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that shipments of controlled drones, essential components, and associated technologies will now be subject to more rigorous export evaluations. These rules apply to items already regulated under China’s dual-use export control framework. However, they do not constitute a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone exports to the U.S. market.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each relevant shipment instead of utilizing streamlined licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the end user, intended application, and product specifics based on existing export control regulations. This order encompasses unmanned aerial vehicles, crucial parts, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. Already, China regulates certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. Additionally, civilian drones are prohibited from export if intended for military use. The latest step introduces closer scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing further 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. The Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Moreover, a separate order extended the same business bans to Compliance Testing LLC, which China claims supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese tech companies.
Export controls extend beyond drones
China has also launched a nationwide security review into imported office equipment containing foreign-developed system software. This investigation targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Authorities stated that the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and implications for national security. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The process is expected to conclude within 12 months, with the possibility of extension in special circumstances.
Separately, China has suspended arrangements that previously permitted U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections under its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate inspections to American organizations. This change impacts the process for maintaining China Compulsory Certification for covered products. Manufacturers might need to engage other approved bodies to complete factory audits. The order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it outright ban all U.S. products from entering China.
U.S. actions prompted China’s countermeasures
China associated the new restrictions with recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the U.S. market, although it later permitted certain toy drones and select models under specific conditions. On July 31, U.S. authorities also added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, which presumes goods from these entities are prohibited from U.S. entry under the law.
Chinese officials characterized the measures as restrained and called on Washington to revoke the restrictions cited by Beijing. The new policies took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same day. Importantly, no individual drone manufacturers were targeted, nor was there a complete ban on all drone exports to the United States. Instead, the stricter licensing procedures now apply specifically to controlled drones, components, and technologies. The bans on business relations are limited to the seven specified U.S. entities, and the office equipment review remains ongoing.