BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China announced a series of retaliatory actions against the United States, notably tightening restrictions on drone-related exports and limiting interactions with seven American entities. These measures took effect on August 5, following recent U.S. restrictions on technology and imports. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies would now face more rigorous export reviews to the U.S. The new regulations apply to items already encompassed by China’s dual-use export control framework but do not impose a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the U.S.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each shipment covered by the new rules instead of relying on simplified licensing processes. Authorities will evaluate the products, end users, and intended purposes according to existing export control regulations. The scope covers unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies meeting China’s control thresholds. Already, China regulates certain drone engines, communications equipment, sensors, and anti-drone systems, and it prohibits the export of civilian drones for military applications. The recent measure introduces increased scrutiny specifically on controlled items destined for the United States.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials accused these organizations of backing U.S. restrictions linked to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. An additional order extended the same business ban to Compliance Testing LLC, which China claims supported Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese tech firms.
Expansion of export controls beyond drone-related items
China has launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment that contains foreign-developed system software. The probe includes imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials announced the review would consider factors such as imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may employ questionnaires, hearings, site visits, or commissioned investigations, and the review is expected to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
Additionally, China suspended arrangements that previously allowed U.S. certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections under its mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation stated that designated Chinese bodies can no longer delegate these inspections to American organizations. This change impacts the inspection process used to uphold China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may need to find other approved agencies to conduct factory checks, but the order does not invalidate existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from entering China.
US actions prompted China’s response
China linked the recent measures to actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has imposed restrictions on approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the American market, with limited exceptions granted for certain toy drones and select models. On July 31, U.S. authorities also added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, meaning products associated with these entities face a legal presumption against U.S. entry under the law.
Chinese officials described their countermeasures as restrained, calling on Washington to rescind the measures cited by Beijing. The entire package came into effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which began concurrently. No individual drone manufacturers were named, nor was there a complete ban on all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, stricter licensing requirements now apply to controlled drones, components, and technologies. The business restrictions are limited to the seven U.S. entities listed, while the office equipment review continues as part of ongoing investigations.