BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – In Beijing on Wednesday, China unveiled a series of countermeasures aimed at the United States, including enhanced controls over drone-related exports. The country also restricted dealings with seven American organizations. These measures came into effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exports of controlled drones, essential components, and associated technologies will now undergo more rigorous reviews before shipment to the U.S. These regulations apply to items already governed by China’s dual-use export control system, and do not constitute a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each individual shipment of controlled items, rather than relying on simplified licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended applications based on existing export control regulations. The scope covers unmanned aerial vehicles, significant parts, and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. China already regulates specific drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and it prohibits civilian drones from being exported for military use. The new measures introduce tighter scrutiny specifically targeting controlled products destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or collaborations 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 officials accused these organizations of supporting U.S. sanctions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Additionally, a separate order barred Compliance Testing LLC from business dealings; China claimed that the Arizona-based testing firm supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology companies.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China also launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment featuring foreign-developed system software. The probe covers imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will assess import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site inspections, or commissioned inquiries. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law allows extensions under special circumstances.
Meanwhile, China suspended procedures that permitted U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change impacts the process used to uphold China’s Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may need to find alternative approved agencies to complete necessary factory audits. The order does not annul existing certifications nor does it prohibit all U.S. products from entering China.
US Actions Prompt Chinese Countermeasures
China linked these measures to recent steps by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the U.S. market, though it later granted 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, which creates a legal presumption against the entry of goods associated with those entities into the U.S. Under law, products linked to listed organizations face a presumption of inadmissibility.
Officials in China described the countermeasures as restrained and called on Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The restrictions took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment review, which also began on the same day. No Chinese directive named specific drone manufacturers or halted all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the new export controls impose stricter licensing requirements on controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven designated U.S. entities, and the office equipment investigation remains ongoing.