BEIJING - Chinese tech companies will have to get official approval before exporting powerful drones or computers from August 15, as the government fears they could compromise national security.

Under the new rule announced by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and the General Administration of Customs on Friday, companies making certain drones and computers specified on the MOC website will have to register with commerce authorities and get a license before exporting them.

The items including drones with a flight duration longer than one hour.

The companies will need to provide copies of export contracts, and documents showing the products' technical specifications and by whom they will be used, according to the announcement.

Companies will be told whether their application has been approved within 45 working days, said the MOC.

Commerce authorities will inspect exports of these items, and violators will be given administrative penalties or be held criminally liable.