China will impose export restrictions on drones and drone manufacturing equipment to strengthen national security amid war in Ukraine and US sanctions

The Communist Party of China will tighten control over the export of drones and equipment for their production from autumn. The aim of the Chinese authorities is to protect national security.

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China has a developed industry for the production of unmanned aircraft systems of various types. DJI controls about 70% of the civilian quadrocopter market and holds over 50% in the US, which is not much to the liking of US lawmakers.

The new rules come into effect on 1 September 2023. They completely prohibit the export of drones for military purposes, and also restrict supplies to other countries of drones that meet certain criteria.

These include UAVs that can fly beyond the operator's line of sight and have a weight of 4kg or a maximum take-off weight of 7kg. In addition, China will restrict exports of drones that can stay in the air for 30 minutes or more and drop cargo. Restrictions will also apply to drones with laser rangefinders, multispectral and infrared cameras.

To sell such drones abroad, the exporter must obtain a licence from the Chinese government. Even if the UAVs do not fulfil any of the above parameters, their export can also be banned. Shipments will be restricted if the seller knows that the buyer intends to use the drones for military purposes.

The restriction on drone exports comes against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, in which both sides are actively using Chinese drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, adjusting artillery fire and dropping grenades. In addition, along with controls on exports of certain metals for chip fabrication, restrictions on UAV shipments are in response to U.S. actions that have denied China access to key technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Source: MOFCOM