BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – The Chinese government announced on Wednesday a series of retaliatory measures against the United States, primarily focusing on tighter regulations surrounding drone exports. Additionally, it imposed restrictions on dealings with seven American organizations. These measures came into force on August 5, following recent US restrictions on technology imports and exports. China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated that exports of controlled drones, essential components, and related technologies will now undergo more stringent review processes before being shipped to the US. The new rules target items already covered under China’s dual-use export control framework, but do not constitute a total ban on all Chinese drone exports to the US market.
Manufacturers are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of these items, as opposed to relying on simplified licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the products, their end-users, and their intended applications based on existing export control policies. The scope of the measures includes unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies meeting China’s controlled-item thresholds. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication equipment, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits the export of civilian drones for military use. The latest move intensifies scrutiny specifically on controlled items destined for the United States.
Beijing also issued bans on Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperative activities with six US-based organizations. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials accused these organizations of supporting US restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Additionally, a separate ban was placed on Compliance Testing LLC, which the Chinese government claims supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese tech companies.
Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones
China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment equipped with foreign-developed system software. The probe targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Chinese officials stated that the review will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and potential impacts on national security. The Ministry of Commerce may conduct inquiries through questionnaires, hearings, on-site inspections, or commissioned investigations. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, though Chinese law permits extensions in special circumstances.
In a separate move, China has suspended arrangements that previously allowed US certification bodies to perform follow-up factory inspections as part of its mandatory product certification system. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that designated Chinese agencies can no longer delegate those inspections to American organizations. This change affects the process used to uphold China’s Compulsory Certification for relevant products. Manufacturers may now need to find alternative approved entities to complete necessary factory checks. Importantly, this order does not revoke existing certifications nor does it ban all US products from China.
US Actions Trigger Chinese Countermeasures
China associated the new restrictions with recent actions taken by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has limited approvals for new foreign-made drones and essential components entering the US market, though it has granted some exceptions for specific toy drones and certain models. On July 31, US authorities also added 43 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act list, which presumes that goods from these listed organizations are inadmissible under law.
Chinese officials characterized the retaliatory measures as restrained and called on Washington to rescind the actions cited by Beijing. The new measures took effect immediately, with the exception of the office equipment investigation, which commenced on the same day. Importantly, no individual drone manufacturers were targeted, nor was there an outright prohibition on all drone exports to the US. Instead, the new export controls require more rigorous licensing procedures for controlled drones, components, and technologies. The restrictions specifically affect the seven US entities named, while the office equipment review remains ongoing as part of the broader response.