China Revises Drone Export Controls: New Restrictions and Eased Rules for Consumer Drones

China has announced major changes to its drone export rules, starting September 1.

— The new restrictions cover high-precision parts like inertial measuring units, synthetic-aperture radar, and engines with more than 16 kilowatts of power, as well as wireless communication systems with a range greater than 50 kilometers (31 miles).

— Also, consoles capable of controlling more than 10 drones simultaneously and drone jammers with an effective range over 5 kilometers will be restricted.

— However, China will ease some temporary export restrictions on consumer drones.

— Although China denies that its drones are being used in the Ukraine conflict, there are reports and evidence suggesting that they are being used there.