BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – China announced new countermeasures against the United States on Wednesday, including tighter controls on drone-related exports. It also restricted dealings with seven American entities. The measures took effect on August 5 after recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. China’s Ministry of Commerce said controlled drones, key components and related technologies will face stricter U.S.-bound export reviews. The rules apply to items already covered by China’s dual-use export control system. They do not create a blanket ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the American market.
Exporters must seek approval for each covered shipment rather than use streamlined licensing procedures. Authorities will review the products, end users and intended uses under existing export control rules. The order covers unmanned aerial vehicles, important parts and technologies that meet China’s controlled-item thresholds. China already regulates certain drone engines, communications equipment, sensors and anti-drone systems. It also bars civilian drones from exports for military purposes. The new step adds closer scrutiny for controlled products heading specifically to the United States.
Beijing also barred Chinese organizations and individuals from 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 accused the organizations of supporting U.S. restrictions linked to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. A separate order imposed the same business ban on Compliance Testing LLC. China said the Arizona testing company had supported Federal Communications Commission measures affecting Chinese technology companies.
Export controls expand beyond drones
China also opened a national security investigation into imported office equipment with foreign-developed system software. The inquiry covers imported printers, copiers and multifunction devices using foreign drivers or embedded software. Officials said the review will examine imports, domestic demand, supply dependence and effects on national security interests. The Ministry of Commerce may use questionnaires, hearings, site visits or commissioned investigations. The inquiry must finish within 12 months, although Chinese law allows an extension in special circumstances.
Separately, China suspended arrangements that allowed U.S. certification bodies to conduct follow-up factory inspections for its compulsory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation said designated Chinese bodies can no longer assign those inspections to American organizations. The change affects the inspection process used to maintain China Compulsory Certification for covered products. Manufacturers may need other approved bodies to complete required factory checks. The order does not cancel existing certifications or prohibit all U.S. products from China.
U.S. restrictions prompted the response
China linked the package to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The communications regulator has restricted approvals for new foreign-made drones and key components entering the American market. It later allowed limited exceptions for qualifying toy drones and some models. U.S. authorities also added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list on July 31. Goods tied to listed entities face a legal presumption against U.S. entry under the law.
Chinese officials described the countermeasures as restrained and called for Washington to withdraw the measures cited by Beijing. The package took effect immediately, except for the office equipment investigation, which began on the same date. No Chinese order named individual drone manufacturers or stopped every drone export to the United States. Instead, the export action requires stricter licensing for controlled drones, components and technologies. The business restrictions remain limited to the seven named U.S. entities, while the office equipment review remains under investigation.
