BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of countermeasures against the United States, including stricter regulations on drone-related exports. Additionally, it imposed restrictions on dealings with seven American entities. These measures took effect on August 5, following recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that controlled drones, essential components, and associated technologies will now face more rigorous U.S.-bound export reviews. The new rules apply to items already under China’s dual-use export control system, but they do not impose a blanket ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S. market.
Exporters are now required to seek approval for each shipment of covered items rather than rely on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will scrutinize the products, their end users, and intended uses according to existing export control regulations. The order covers unmanned aerial vehicles, key parts, and technologies that meet China’s thresholds for controlled items. China already regulates certain drone engines, communications gear, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and it prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The new measures introduce heightened scrutiny specifically for controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities. The list includes 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. Separately, a business ban was imposed on Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing company, which China said had supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese technology firms.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment featuring foreign-developed system software. The review encompasses imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the investigation will analyze imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned investigations to gather information. The process is expected to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law permits extensions in exceptional cases.
In addition, China suspended arrangements that allowed U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese bodies are no longer authorized to assign those inspections to American organizations. This change affects the inspection process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for covered products. Manufacturers might need to engage other approved agencies to complete necessary factory inspections. The order does not invalidate existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from entering China.
Response to U.S. Measures
China connected these countermeasures to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the U.S. market, later allowing 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 listed organizations are now presumed legally barred from U.S. entry under this law.
Chinese officials characterized the countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The measures took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which started on the same day. No individual drone manufacturers or complete drone export bans to the U.S. were specified by China. Instead, the export measures now involve stricter licensing requirements for controlled drones, components, and technologies. While the restrictions are limited to the seven U.S. entities named, the office equipment review remains ongoing under investigation.