BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – On Wednesday, China introduced new retaliatory measures against the United States, including tighter restrictions on exports related to drones. The country also imposed bans on transactions with seven American organizations. These restrictions came into 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 associated technologies will now undergo more rigorous export reviews for shipments to the U.S. These regulations apply to items already governed by China’s dual-use export control system, but do not constitute a comprehensive ban on all Chinese drone exports to the U.S.
Exporters are now required to obtain approval for each individual shipment of covered items, rather than relying on streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will evaluate the products, their end users, and intended applications according to existing export control policies. The directive covers unmanned aerial vehicles, significant parts, and technologies that meet China’s criteria for controlled items. While China already regulates certain drone engines, communications gear, sensors, and anti-drone systems, as well as prohibiting civilian drone exports for military purposes, this new move introduces enhanced scrutiny specifically targeting controlled products destined for the United States.
Additionally, Beijing has prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation 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 authorities allege these organizations have supported U.S. restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, a separate order has barred Compliance Testing LLC from conducting business. China claimed the Arizona-based testing company supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology firms.
Export restrictions extend beyond drones
China has also launched a national security review into imported office equipment that uses foreign-developed system software. This investigation targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices with foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials indicated that the review will assess imports, domestic demand, supply reliance, and potential impacts on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may deploy questionnaires, hold hearings, conduct site visits, or commission investigations as part of this process. The review is expected to conclude within 12 months, although Chinese law permits extensions under special circumstances.
In a separate move, China suspended arrangements that permitted U.S. certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections for its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese organizations are no longer authorized to assign these inspections to American firms. This change affects the process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may need to find alternative approved bodies to complete required factory checks. The order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it ban all U.S. products from China.
The U.S. measures triggered Chinese counteractions
China linked these countermeasures to recent actions taken 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 American market, although it later permitted limited exceptions 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. Goods originating from these listed entities face a legal assumption of inadmissibility under U.S. law.
Chinese officials characterized the countermeasures as restrained and urged Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The new restrictions took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which also began on the same date. No Chinese order targets individual drone manufacturers or halts all drone exports to the U.S. Instead, the measures require more stringent licensing procedures for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The restrictions primarily affect the seven specific U.S. entities named, while the office equipment review remains ongoing and under investigation.