BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – China announced fresh measures against the United States on Wednesday, tightening export controls on drones and restricting dealings with seven American companies. These measures became effective on August 5. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters must seek approval for controlled drones, key parts, and related technologies headed to the US. Not all Chinese drone shipments are halted. Instead, these products now face more detailed review under China’s existing dual-use export regulations, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Simplified licensing for shipments to the US is no longer permitted. Chinese authorities will scrutinize each product, buyer, end user, and intended purpose before approval. Existing policies already regulate certain drone engines, communication gear, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. China also bans civilian drones from being exported for military use. The latest action introduces an explicit review process for drone products and technologies destined for the US.
Beijing also banned Chinese individuals and organizations from engaging in business with six US entities. These include Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials linked these restrictions to US measures related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Additionally, a separate order targeted Compliance Testing LLC, an Arizona-based testing firm. China accused the company of supporting Federal Communications Commission actions affecting Chinese tech companies.
Drone restrictions are part of wider actions
China has also initiated a national security review into imported printers, copiers, and multifunctional office devices. The probe focuses on devices that run operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign firms. The Ministry of Commerce will examine import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security concerns. Authorities may conduct questionnaires, hearings, factory visits, and studies. The review can last up to 12 months, with extensions possible in special cases.
Another decision altered inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation now prohibits designated Chinese certification bodies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US organizations. These checks are necessary for maintaining product certification for sale in China. Companies must turn to other approved inspection providers for factory reviews. Existing certifications are unaffected, and this does not impose a blanket ban on American goods entering China.
Beijing links measures to recent US actions
China connected these countermeasures to recent moves by the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FCC has restricted approval for certain new foreign-made drones and critical components entering the US market. US authorities also expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. On July 31, they added 43 Chinese entities to the law’s enforcement list. Products linked to these entities face a legal presumption against US entry.
China described its response as proportionate and urged Washington to revoke the restrictions mentioned in its announcement. The drone export controls, entity bans, and certification changes became effective immediately. The office equipment investigation also started on August 5. None of these measures name a specific Chinese drone producer or ban all drone exports to the US. Instead, they focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.