BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On August 5, China introduced tighter export restrictions on certain drones and associated technologies destined for the United States. These measures form part of a wider set of countermeasures targeting American entities, product certifications, 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 related technological items. This directive operates within China’s existing framework for dual-use goods and does not prohibit all drone exports to the US.
The new regulation eliminates simplified licensing options for shipments of covered drone products to American clients. Before issuing an export license, Chinese authorities will assess the product, its end user, the intended application, and the buyer. Existing controls already cover some drone engines, sensors, communication devices, and equipment used in counter-unmanned aircraft operations. Furthermore, China prohibits companies from providing civilian drones for military purposes. The recent order introduces a more rigorous review process specifically for controlled products and technology destined for the US market.
Additionally, China imposed restrictions on dealings with seven U.S. organizations through separate orders. Six of these are Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Beijing claimed that these groups supported U.S. restrictions linked to allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang. Another measure targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based company responsible for testing communications products. Chinese authorities stated that the firm assisted Federal Communications Commission actions involving Chinese technology companies.
Export controls spanning multiple industries
The package also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. The investigation focuses on products that incorporate foreign-developed operating systems, drivers, or embedded software. According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, officials will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and security concerns. Investigators may distribute questionnaires, conduct hearings, visit manufacturing sites, or commission technical evaluations. This process can last up to 12 months, with extensions permitted under special circumstances according to Chinese regulations.
China also revised its inspection procedures for the mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation prohibited designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to U.S. organizations. These inspections are critical for maintaining valid certifications for products sold within China. Now, manufacturers must seek reviews from other approved providers when factory assessments are required. This change does not revoke existing certificates nor does it entirely block American goods from entering the Chinese market.
Response to recent U.S. regulatory measures
Beijing linked these new measures to recent decisions made by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has limited approvals for certain new foreign-made drones and vital components entering the US. The United States has also expanded enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. On July 31, an additional 43 Chinese entities were added to the law’s enforcement list. Goods associated with these organizations face a legal presumption that often prevents their entry into the American market.
Chinese officials described these measures as a calculated response and urged Washington to rescind the restrictions outlined in the announcement. The drone licensing requirements, entity restrictions, and certification adjustments became effective on August 5. The investigation into office equipment started simultaneously. None of the orders explicitly target a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or completely halt all drone sales to U.S. buyers. Instead, these measures concentrate on controlled exports, specific U.S. entities, and foreign software used in imported office machinery.