– The People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Commerce announced it is launching a national security
investigation into office printers and copier/MFPs imported into China, running on foreign system software.
– claimed that preliminary information indicates that such imported office equipment may affect national security
interests
– System software includes print drivers and other embedded software developed, tested, or maintained by
foreign individuals or entities, according to the announcement.
– investigation will examine the importation of the products under probe; the impact of imported products,
technologies or services on national security interests; domestic demand in relevant sectors and the extent of
reliance on foreign goods, technologies or services; the state of development of relevant domestic industries
and the impact of imports on them; and the capacity and level of those industries to meet domestic demand
and serve national security interests
– says it will conduct the investigation via written questionnaires, hearings, on-site investigations, and
investigations conducted by commissioned parties
– based on its findings, it will prepare a report or make a determination on the handling of the case, and publish
an announcement.
– will complete the investigation within about a year.