BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of measures aimed at tightening controls over drone-related exports and restricting dealings with seven American entities. These policies became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters are now required to seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and related technologies bound for the United States. This directive does not completely stop all Chinese drone shipments; instead, it subjects certain products to a more rigorous, case-by-case review under China’s existing dual-use export control framework.
The new regulations eliminate the previous simplified licensing procedures for shipments covered by these controls to the U.S. market. Instead, Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and the intended application before issuing approval. While some drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft are already regulated, China now introduces an explicit review process specifically targeting controlled drone technologies destined for the U.S. market. Additionally, exports of civilian drones for military use are prohibited by Chinese authorities.
Furthermore, Beijing has barred Chinese individuals and organizations from engaging in business with six U.S. entities, namely Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. These restrictions have been linked by Chinese officials to U.S. measures related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order targets Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing company, which China claims supported Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Broader Security Measures Include Drone and Equipment Restrictions
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office equipment. The review encompasses devices operating with software, drivers, or embedded systems developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will evaluate import volumes, domestic demand, supply dependencies, and security risks involved. During the process, officials may conduct surveys, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research. The investigation can last up to 12 months, with extensions granted under exceptional circumstances.
A separate policy change affects the inspection process under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation has prohibited designated Chinese certification agencies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. firms. These inspections are essential for manufacturers to maintain certification for products marketed in China. Companies are now required to select alternative, approved inspection providers when factory reviews are mandated. The order does not revoke existing certifications, nor does it impose a comprehensive ban on American products entering China.
Official Justifications for the New Restrictions
China links these measures to recent actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has placed restrictions on approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and vital components entering the U.S. market. Additionally, U.S. authorities expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list as of July 31. Goods associated with these entities face a legal assumption against entry into the United States.
The Chinese government described the measures as a calibrated response and called on Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in its statement. The drone export controls, entity bans, and certification modifications took effect immediately. The investigation into office equipment began on August 5. None of these measures name a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or impose a total ban on all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, they focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-related software used in imported office devices.