BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China enforced fresh measures targeting the United States, including tighter controls on drone-related exports and restrictions on seven American entities. These measures became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters must seek approval for controlled drones, key components, and related technologies heading to the US. This directive does not completely stop all Chinese drone shipments but subjects certain products to more rigorous, case-by-case review under China’s dual-use export regime.
The Chinese government now prohibits the use of simplified licensing procedures for shipments covered by the restrictions destined for the US. Each product, buyer, end user, and purpose will be scrutinized before approval. Existing regulations already cover specific drone engines, communication systems, sensors, and equipment aimed at countering unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China bans the export of civilian drones for military applications. The latest policy introduces a distinct review process for controlled drone products and technologies bound for the United States.
Beijing also barred Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business with six US entities. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Officials attributed these restrictions to US measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, an order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm, citing its support for Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese tech companies.
Part of broader measures, drone restrictions form a key element
China has also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunction office devices. This investigation assesses equipment that relies on software, drivers, or operating systems developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will analyze import quantities, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security considerations, using questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research during the process. Regulations permit the inquiry to last up to 12 months, with extensions possible under special circumstances.
Another recent decision modifies inspection protocols under China’s mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation now prevents designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US organizations. These inspections are essential for maintaining product certification in China. Companies will need to select alternative approved inspection providers for these checks. This order does not revoke existing certifications, nor does it impose a blanket ban on American products entering China.
Beijing links recent US restrictions to its own measures
China connected the new countermeasures to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and key components entering the US market. Additionally, US authorities expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to its enforcement list on July 31. Products associated with those entities face a presumption against entry into the US.
The Chinese government described its response as measured and urged Washington to retract the restrictions outlined in its statement. The drone export controls, entity bans, and certification changes became effective immediately, while the office equipment review started on August 5. None of these orders names a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or entirely bans drone exports to the US. Instead, the measures target controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office equipment.