China Revises Drone Export Controls, Tightens Restrictions on Military-Use Components

New regulations aim to prevent civilian drones from being used in warfare or terrorism, while lifting some temporary export bans.

China will prohibit the export of unregulated civilian drones that can be repurposed for military or terrorist activities.
The new rules, effective September 1, include restrictions on infrared imaging equipment, laser targeting systems, and high-precision inertial measurement devices.
Temporary export controls on certain consumer drones will be lifted, easing previous restrictions imposed last year.
The changes come amid Western criticism of China's alleged drone sales to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.
DJI Technology Co. supports the new regulations, emphasizing their commitment to civilian-only drone applications.