BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new countermeasures against the United States, which include tighter restrictions on drone exports. Additionally, it imposed bans on dealings with seven American entities. These measures came into effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that the export of controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more rigorous U.S.-bound review processes. These regulations apply to items already within China’s dual-use export control framework and do not constitute a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone exports to the United States.
Exporters are now required to seek approval for each individual shipment of covered items rather than relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended applications under existing export control laws. The scope of the order includes unmanned aerial vehicles, significant parts, and technologies meeting China’s criteria for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and anti-drone technology. It also prohibits civilian drones from exports intended for military use. The new regulation intensifies scrutiny specifically on controlled products heading to the United States.
Beijing additionally prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperative efforts with six U.S. entities. The entities affected include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese authorities accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also banned Compliance Testing LLC from doing business with China. China stated that the Arizona-based testing company had supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology firms.
Broader Export Controls Extend Beyond Drones
China has launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment containing foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Authorities explained that the review will assess import volumes, domestic demand, reliance on supply chains, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce might employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned investigations as part of the process. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law permits extensions in special circumstances.
In addition, China has suspended arrangements allowing U.S. certification agencies to conduct follow-up factory inspections under its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese bodies can no longer assign such inspections to American organizations. This change affects the process used to uphold China’s Compulsory Certification for certain products. Manufacturers might need to appoint other approved inspection bodies to complete required factory checks. The order does not revoke existing certifications or ban all U.S. products from China.
Countermeasures Are Responding to U.S. Actions
The Chinese government linked its recent measures to actions taken by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the American market and has allowed some 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. Goods associated with these entities are now presumed legally restricted from entering the U.S. under the law.
Chinese officials described these measures as restrained and urged Washington to rescind the actions cited by Beijing. The new regulations took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also started on the same day. The measures do not target individual drone manufacturers nor do they halt all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the export restrictions now require stricter licensing for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business bans are limited to the seven specified U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.