BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced new measures aimed at countering the United States, including stricter controls on drone exports. Additionally, it restricted dealings with seven American organizations. These measures became effective on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more rigorous U.S.-bound export assessments. The new rules cover items already regulated under China’s dual-use export control system. They do not impose a total ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. market.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of controlled items instead of relying on simplified licensing procedures. Authorities will review the products, end users, and intended uses according to existing export control regulations. The scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles, significant parts, and technologies that meet China’s controlled-item standards. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits civilian drones from exports for military use. The recent step introduces closer scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. organizations. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials accused these organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Another order imposed the same business bans on Compliance Testing LLC. China claimed that the Arizona-based testing company supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology firms.
Export controls extend beyond drones
China has also launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that uses foreign-developed system software. The probe includes printers, copiers, and multifunction devices with foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials said the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and impacts on national security. The Ministry of Commerce may use questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned investigations. The investigation must conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law allows extensions in special cases.
In a separate move, China suspended arrangements that allowed U.S. certification agencies to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation said designated Chinese organizations can no longer assign these inspections to American firms. This change affects the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for regulated products. Manufacturers might need alternative approved bodies to complete necessary factory checks. The order does not cancel existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from China.
U.S. actions prompted China’s response
China linked its new measures to recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approval for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S. market. It later allowed limited exceptions for certain toy drones and specific models. On July 31, U.S. authorities added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list. Goods associated with these entities face a legal presumption against entry into the United States under the law.
Chinese officials described these countermeasures as restrained. They called on Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The new restrictions took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same day. No individual drone manufacturers were named, nor was every drone export to the U.S. halted. Instead, export licensing for controlled drones, components, and technologies has become more stringent. The restrictions target only the seven specific U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains ongoing.