BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced new measures aimed at the United States, including tighter controls over drone exports and limitations on transactions with seven American organizations. The new policies, effective from August 5, require exporters to seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and related tech bound for the US. China’s Ministry of Commerce clarified that this does not halt all Chinese drone shipments but subjects certain products to more rigorous case-by-case assessments under the country’s existing dual-use export regulations.
The move eliminates simplified licensing options for these items destined for the US, mandating detailed reviews of each product, its end user, and purpose. Existing rules already cover some drone engines, sensors, communication modules, and anti-unmanned aircraft systems. Additionally, China forbids exporting civilian drones for military applications. The new directive introduces a specific review process for controlled drone-related items and technologies headed to the US.
Beijing further barred Chinese entities and individuals from conducting business with six US firms, namely Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Officials linked these restrictions to US measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order also targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, which China accused of supporting FCC actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Part of a Larger Strategic Response
China has initiated a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices, specifically those using software or drivers developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will examine import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security implications, employing questionnaires, site visits, hearings, and commissioned studies. The review can extend for 12 months, with possible extensions under special circumstances.
In addition, China altered inspection procedures under its mandatory product certification system, barring designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US-based firms. This change affects the routine checks that help maintain product certifications for markets in China. Companies are now required to use alternative approved inspectors when factory reviews are mandated. Importantly, existing certifications remain valid, and this order does not prohibit all American products from entering China.
Beijing Responds to US Restrictions
The Chinese government attributes these measures to recent actions by the US Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and key parts entering the US market. Additionally, the US has expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to its enforcement list as of July 31. Goods linked to these entities are presumed inadmissible into the United States.
China described its response as measured and urged Washington to revoke the restrictions outlined in its announcement. The drone export controls, entity bans, and certification adjustments took effect immediately, while the office equipment investigation also began on August 5. None of the orders name a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or ban all drone exports to the US; instead, they target controlled items, select US organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.