The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on importing new drones manufactured in foreign countries unless they receive recommendations from the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This action, taken on Monday, adds drones to the FCC’s Covered List, classifying foreign-made drones and parts, like those from DJI, as communications equipment that pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
Adam Welsh, DJI’s head of global policy, expressed disappointment with the decision. In a statement, he noted, “While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what data was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination.” Welsh also emphasized that DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and that current products will continue to operate as usual. The FCC’s list also includes items like Kaspersky anti-virus software (added in 2024) and telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE (added in 2021).
According to the FCC, a National Security Determination received on December 21st from an interagency body stated that “uncrewed aircraft systems” (UAS) and critical UAS components from foreign manufacturers could enable persistent surveillance, data exfiltration, and destructive operations over U.S. territory. The determination highlighted how foreign-made UAS might be used to collect sensitive data, facilitate unauthorized remote access, or be disabled via software updates.
If you own a drone made outside the U.S., you can still use it, as per the FCC’s fact sheet. Drones or drone components can be removed from the Covered List if either the DoD or DHS makes a specific determination to the FCC that they do not pose unacceptable risks.
“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation,” said FCC chairman Brendan Carr.
