BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – In Beijing on August 5, China expanded its controls over the export of certain drones and related technologies destined for the United States. This step is part of a wider set of countermeasures targeting American entities, product certification processes, and imported office equipment. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment involving controlled drones, key components, or associated technologies. The directive operates within China’s existing framework for dual-use goods and does not prohibit all drone exports to the U.S.
The revised procedures eliminate simplified licensing options for drone shipments to American buyers. Chinese authorities will now scrutinize the product, purchaser, end user, and intended purpose before granting an export license. Already included in the current controls are certain drone engines, sensors, communication systems, and equipment used against unmanned aircraft. Additionally, China bans companies from supplying civilian drones for military purposes. The latest directive introduces a more rigorous review process for controlled products and technologies specifically sent to the U.S. market.
Separately, China imposed restrictions on dealings with seven U.S. organizations through distinct orders. Among them are Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Beijing claimed these groups supported American restrictions related to allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional measure targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based firm involved in evaluating communications products. Chinese authorities asserted that it assisted Federal Communications Commission actions involving Chinese technology companies.
Export controls span multiple sectors
The package also initiated a national security review of imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office machines. This review covers items that utilize foreign-developed operating systems, drivers, or embedded software. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that officials will analyze import levels, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security concerns. Investigators may send questionnaires, conduct hearings, visit facilities, or commission technical evaluations. The process can last up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension if exceptional circumstances warrant more time.
China also revised its inspection procedures for the mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation has prohibited designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. firms. These inspections are essential for maintaining certifications needed for products sold within China. Now, manufacturers must coordinate inspections through other approved providers when factory visits are necessary. This change does not revoke existing certifications nor does it entirely block American goods from entering China.
Response linked to recent U.S. regulatory moves
Beijing connected its measures to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approvals for some new foreign-manufactured drones and their critical components entering the United States. Additionally, U.S. authorities stepped up enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list on July 31. Goods associated with these entities are presumed to face significant restrictions, effectively limiting their access to the U.S. market.
Chinese officials characterized their response as measured and urged Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in the announcement. The drone licensing rules, entity limitations, and certification modifications all became effective on August 5, alongside the office equipment review. None of the measures specify a particular Chinese drone manufacturer or fully ban all drone sales to the U.S. Instead, they focus on controlling exports, targeting certain U.S. organizations, and regulating foreign software used in imported office devices.