由 caicai8478 As global drone regulation becomes stricter, Chinese companies face increasingly complex export compliance challenges. This guide provides practical solutions to help companies expand into the international market within a legal framework and avoid high fines, supply chain disruptions, and even international sanctions due to violations.
- Core risk points of international sanctions and trade barriers
- US sanctions (strictest)
Entity List: Huawei and DJI were included due to “national security”
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): prohibit US federal agencies from purchasing Chinese drones (DJI, Daotong, etc. are affected)
Export Control (EAR): restrict the export of high-performance drones (such as endurance > 1 hour, payload > 5kg)
✅ Response strategy:
Check the US BIS list (https://bis.doc.gov)
Use Mexico/Southeast Asia transit mode to avoid direct export to the United States
Provide a “no military use” commitment (End-Use Certificate)
- EU compliance (CE+GDPR)
CE certification (RED directive, EMC test)
GDPR data compliance: drone shooting data shall not be transmitted back to Chinese servers
Carbon tariffs (CBAM): may affect the battery supply chain from 2026
✅ Countermeasures:
Through EU local cloud storage (such as AWS Frankfurt node)
Use EU approved batteries (such as LG, Samsung battery cells)
Apply for EcoDesign certification in advance (mandatory in 2025)
- Special restrictions in emerging markets
Country Key restrictions Countermeasures
India 30% local production requirements Cooperate with Tata/Reliance for SKD assembly
Brazil ANATEL radio frequency certification (6 months) Register drone serial number in advance
Saudi Arabia SASO certification (Arabic label required) Find a local agent for pre-examination documents
II. 4-step compliance management process
Step 1: Product classification (HS code + ECCN)
Consumer drones (HS 8806.90): usually unrestricted
Industrial/military grade (ECCN 9A012.a): US BIS license required
📌 Tool recommendation:
China Customs HS Code Query (http://hs.customs.gov.cn)
US ECCN Query Tool (https://bis.doc.gov)
Step 2: Supply chain screening (anti-“long-arm jurisdiction”)
Check whether the supplier is on the US entity list (such as Huawei HiSilicon chips may trigger sanctions)
Ensure that the battery/flight control is not from Iran or Russia (avoid secondary sanctions)
🔍 Compliance tools:
Altana AI supply chain map (tracking sensitive components)
Sinosure “blacklist” database (high-risk customer screening)
Step 3: Export document preparation
File type Applicable scenarios
End-user declaration (EUC) Middle East/Latin American market
UN38.3 battery test report Air/sea transport required
CE/FCC certification Enter the European and American markets
Step 4: Logistics compliance (avoiding detention)
Air transport: lithium batteries must comply with IATA DGR regulations (energy ≤ 100Wh)
Sea transport: the whole machine needs magnetic shielding packaging (anti-radar detection)
Land transport (China-Europe Express): additional compliance review of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict area is required
🚀 Recommended logistics providers:
DHL drone logistics (pre-review compliance documents)
SF International (China-Southeast Asia dedicated line)
III. Establishing a corporate compliance system (3 cores)
- Establishing an internal compliance team
Legal affairs: monitoring changes in laws and regulations of various countries (such as the EU AI Act)
Technology: locking drone parameters (such as flight altitude restrictions, data encryption)
Logistics: ensuring the integrity of transportation documents
- Third-party compliance audit
Deloitte/PwC: Export control compliance audit
SGS/BV: CE/FCC certification acceleration service
- Emergency plan
Included in the Entity List? → Start switching overseas subsidiaries
Goods detained? → Contact the Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy Abroad for assistance
IV. Latest Trends and Recommendations in 2024
Trend 1: The United States may expand drone export controls (pay attention to BIS monthly updates)
Trend 2: The EU will implement a drone remote ID system in 2025 (compliance modules must be pre-installed)
Trend 3: RCEP countries’ tariff preferences (Indonesia/Vietnam can enjoy zero tariffs)
💡 Expert advice:
“Enterprises should update their country compliance manuals every quarter and keep in touch with the Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Going Global’ public service platform (http://fec.mofcom.gov.cn).”
—— China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products Drone Branch