BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of new countermeasures against the United States, intensifying restrictions on drone exports and limiting dealings with seven American organizations. The measures, which became effective on August 5, are detailed by China’s Ministry of Commerce. Exporters are now required to seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and related technologies destined for the U.S. market. This directive does not stop all Chinese drone shipments but enforces a more stringent, case-by-case review process within China’s existing dual-use export regulatory framework.
The previously available simplified licensing procedures for covered shipments to the U.S. are no longer valid. Each product, purchaser, end user, and intended use will be scrutinized before approval is granted. Existing regulations already restrict certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment aimed at countering unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China bans the export of civilian drones for military applications. The new measure introduces an explicit review requirement for drone products and technologies controlled under export regulations heading to the United States.
In addition, Beijing has prohibited Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in business with six U.S. organizations, including Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. The Chinese authorities linked these restrictions to U.S. measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate directive also targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, citing its support for Federal Communications Commission actions impacting Chinese technology companies.
Part of a broader strategic response
China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office machines. This inquiry focuses on devices that utilize operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will assess factors including import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and national security issues. The investigation process may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory visits, and commissioned studies, with a duration of up to 12 months, extendable under special circumstances.
Furthermore, a separate ruling altered 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. companies. These inspections are essential for maintaining product certification status in China. Going forward, companies must choose from other approved inspection agencies when factory reviews are required. This order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose a general ban on American products entering China.
Beijing links measures to U.S. restrictions
China connected these countermeasures to recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has placed limits on approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the U.S. market. Additionally, U.S. authorities have expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list as of July 31. Products associated with these entities are presumed inadmissible into the United States under law.
The Chinese government described these measures as a proportional response and urged Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in its announcement. The drone export controls, entity restrictions, and certification adjustments took effect immediately. The investigation into office equipment also commenced on August 5. None of the directives specify a particular Chinese drone manufacturer or prohibit all drone exports to the U.S., but instead focus on controlled products, specific American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.