US Prohibits New Foreign Drones, Impacting Chinese Leader DJI

In a significant move affecting the drone market, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has instituted a new regulation that prohibits the import and sale of foreign-made drones in the United States. This decision directly impacts leading drone manufacturer DJI, which has dominated the market for years.

New Regulations on Foreign Drones

On Tuesday, the FCC added foreign drone manufacturers to a “Covered List,” citing national security risks associated with their products. This list includes DJI, which holds approximately 70% of the global drone market. The regulation, however, does not affect drones already approved for sale or those currently in use.

Background of the Decision

This FCC ruling follows years of scrutiny over Chinese-made drones, particularly those produced by DJI and Autel Robotics. In June, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to boost domestic drone production and reduce foreign dependency in the sector.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that the intention of the FCC’s action is to secure U.S. airspace while maintaining the usability of already authorized drones. He stated that this decision does not hinder the purchase or operation of legally acquired drones.

Market Impacts and Reactions

• DJI has expressed disappointment over the FCC’s decision, with a spokesperson highlighting a lack of transparency regarding the evidence used for this determination.
• The company maintains a commitment to U.S. market presence and asserts that concerns about data security are unfounded.
• Chinese officials have labeled the FCC’s ruling as “discriminatory” and called for fair treatment of Chinese companies operating in the U.S.

Regulatory Framework and Previous Warnings

This announcement aligns with the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates a security review of foreign drone equipment by December 2025. Concerns about DJI and similar manufacturers have been raised previously, leading to actions such as the Army’s ban on DJI drones in 2017 due to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Additionally, DJI has faced multiple constraints in the U.S., including being placed on the Commerce Department’s economic blacklist in 2020 due to alleged human rights abuses. The company has consistently denied these accusations and sought legal recourse, yet has faced setbacks in court.

Conclusion

The FCC’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the drone market, as U.S. authorities tighten regulations on foreign manufacturers. As DJI and other companies navigate these challenges, the landscape of drone technology in America is poised for considerable change.