Based on a press release published by lawmakers on June 21, the US Government Department of Commerce has announced the addition of drone manufacturer Autel Robotics to its “blacklist.” The “entity list” is a compilation of foreign individuals, firms, and organizations deemed a national security concern. This designation subjects Autel Robotics to export restrictions and specific licensing requirements for certain technologies and goods.
Statement from Lawmakers Moolenaar and Stefanik
In November 2023, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) called for the Biden administration to scrutinize Autel’s activities. In a press release published June 21, they released a joint statement:
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) released the below statement following news last week that the Department of Commerce placed Chinese drone maker, Autel, on its blacklist which prohibits American firms from doing business with the corporate. The Department’s decision got here after bipartisan demands last 12 months for the Biden administration to analyze Autel. Within the November 2023 request, Moolenaar and Stefanik unveiled Autel’s deep connections to the Chinese military.
“Following our advocacy, the Commerce Department added malign Chinese controlled drone maker, Autel, to its government blacklist. No American should support firms like DJI and Autel which can be arming Communist China and have the power to spy on American soil. While it is a strong first step, the Senate must now take up and pass the House-passed Countering CCP Drones Act and ban the introduction of latest CCP-linked drones from American skies.”
This development underscores the heightened scrutiny and regulatory measures being directed at Chinese technology firms over national security concerns.
Understanding the Entity List
The Entity List, maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the US Department of Commerce, identifies foreign individuals—including businesses, research institutions, government and personal organizations, and individuals—subject to specific licensing requirements for the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of specified items. Present in Complement No. 4 to Part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Entity List imposes additional licensing requirements and policies on these entities, beyond those stipulated elsewhere within the EAR.
The addition of Autel Robotics to the Entity List means the corporate will now face hurdles in obtaining the obligatory licenses for the export, reexport, or transfer of certain items.
Autel Robotics’ Response
Autel Robotics, a number one provider of digital solutions for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, has responded to this development by reiterating its commitment to moral practices and compliance with international regulations. In a press release published in December of last 12 months, following pressure from lawmakers so as to add Autel to the entity list, the corporate emphasized its dedication to civilian applications of drone technology and its strict adherence to regulate requirements related to the sale, transfer, export, re-export, and disposal of hardware, software, and technology.
“Autel Robotics is firmly against the usage of drone products for military purposes or any activities that infringe upon human rights,” the corporate stated. “We strictly adhere to all applicable control requirements related to the sale, transfer, export, re-export, and disposal of hardware, software, and technology. This commitment isn’t only aimed toward earning the trust of our partners and the general public but in addition at mitigating corporate operating risks and fulfilling our corporate responsibility as a member of the international market.”
Autel also addressed concerns in regards to the misuse of its technology, calling such concerns “unfounded and speculative.” The corporate clarified that its drones are explicitly designed for civilian use and usually are not intended for military purposes. Autel conducts rigorous blacklist scans of consumers, freight forwarders, and employees and performs thorough due diligence on potential partners to make sure compliance and mitigate risks.
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