China will impose export control on some drones, unmanned airships and related items starting on September 1, according to an announcement published on Monday.

The announcement was issued by China's Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.

The temporary export control is to safeguard national security and interests. Some of these measures will not exceed two years, according to the announcement.

It said that a permit will be required for certain UAVs, unmanned airships and related items, such as aeroengines, infrared cameras, Synthetic Aperture Radar and laser designators.

It urged UAVs that do not meet the indicators required and those that the companies know or should know will be used for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorist activities or military affairs to not be exported.

Companies need to apply for permits from the commerce department under the State Council to export some drones and other commodities, it added.