BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – China introduced new countermeasures against the United States on Wednesday, tightening controls on drone-related exports and restricting business with seven American entities. The measures took effect on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce said exporters must obtain approval for controlled drones, major components and related technologies bound for the United States. The order does not halt every Chinese drone shipment. It places covered products under stricter case-by-case review within China’s existing dual-use export system.
Exporters can no longer use simplified licensing procedures for covered shipments to the American market. Chinese authorities will examine each product, buyer, end user and intended use before granting approval. Existing rules already cover certain drone engines, communication systems, sensors and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. China also prohibits companies from exporting civilian drones for military purposes. The latest measure adds a specific review requirement for controlled drone products and technologies destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business with six U.S. entities. They include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials linked those restrictions to U.S. measures involving alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order covered Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing company. China said the company supported Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese technology businesses.
Drone controls form part of broader package
China also launched a national security investigation into imported printers, copiers and multifunction office equipment. The inquiry covers devices that use operating systems, drivers or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will review import volumes, domestic demand, supply dependence and national security concerns. Officials may use questionnaires, hearings, factory visits and commissioned studies during the process. Chinese rules allow the inquiry to run for 12 months, with an extension available under special circumstances.
A separate decision changed inspection arrangements under China’s compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation stopped designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. organizations. Those checks help manufacturers maintain certification for products sold in China. Companies must now use other approved inspection providers when the rules require factory reviews. The order does not cancel existing certifications, and it does not impose a general ban on American products entering China.
Beijing cites recent U.S. restrictions
China tied the countermeasures to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The communications regulator has limited approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and important components entering the American market. U.S. authorities also expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. On July 31, they added 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list. Products connected to listed entities face a legal presumption against entry into the United States.
The Chinese government called the package a measured response and urged Washington to withdraw the restrictions cited in its announcement. The drone export rules, entity restrictions and certification changes took effect immediately. The office equipment investigation also began on August 5. None of the orders names a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or bans every drone export to the United States. The measures instead target controlled products, selected American organizations and foreign-linked software used in imported office equipment.
