U.S. moves to block future imports of DJI and other foreign-made drones

In a major shift for the drone industry, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will ban approvals for new foreign-made drones and critical components from being imported, marketed, or sold in the United States unless specifically cleared by the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security. This move fundamentally changes how drones built outside the U.S., including those from major manufacturers like DJI and Autel Robotics, can enter the American market.

National Security Cited as the Driving Force

The FCC’s decision stems from a national security determination made by a White House-convened interagency review, which concluded that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components produced abroad could pose “unacceptable risks” to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. persons. This also includes concerns around unauthorised surveillance, data exfiltration, and cyber vulnerabilities. As a result, all foreign-made drones and components have been added to the FCC’s Covered List of communications equipment that cannot obtain necessary FCC equipment authorisation without clearance.

Crucially, the ban only affects future models. Drones and parts that were previously authorised and are already in the U.S. can still be sold and used by consumers and professionals alike, giving current owners and operators time to adapt to the new rules.

Impact on Manufacturers and the Market

Among the most affected companies are DJI and Autel Robotics, two of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial and consumer drones. DJI, headquartered in China and holding a dominant global market share, expressed disappointment with the FCC’s action and questioned the transparency of the national security review, while reaffirming its commitment to the U.S. market despite the new constraints.

Industry reaction is mixed. Some observers and U.S. drone makers view the move as an opportunity to spur greater domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Others warn that the abrupt shift could disrupt current operations, especially since many agencies and businesses rely on foreign-made drones that have been cost-effective and feature-rich, and urge clearer guidelines around exemptions and future enforcement.

Strategic Timing and Broader Tech Policy Context

The ban arrives amid broader efforts by Washington to address perceived vulnerabilities in critical technologies tied to national security. The FCC’s action follows recent reviews and legislative mandates aimed at curbing the influence of certain foreign tech products on U.S. infrastructure and data flows, and is partly justified by concerns tied to upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where drone misuse could pose risks to public safety.

What It Means for Drone Users

Future purchases of new foreign-made drones will require special authorisation, potentially reshaping how buyers and operators plan upgrades or new deployments. Looking ahead, the policy could accelerate investment in U.S.-based drone manufacturers and influence how global supply chains evolve for unmanned aerial systems.

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