The Federal Communications Commission has banned new drones made abroad from being imported into the US unless the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security recommends them. Monday’s action added drones to the FCC’s covered list, recognizing foreign-made drones and drone parts like DJI’s as communications devices that represent an “unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and the safety and security of American persons.”
DJI is “disappointed” by today’s action, Adam Welsh, DJI’s head of global policy, said in a statement. “Although DJI was not singled out, no information has been released by the executive branch about what information was used in reaching its determination.” Welsh said that DJI is “committed to the US market” and said existing products can continue operating as usual. Other items on the FCC’s list include Kaspersky anti-virus software (added in 2024) and telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE (added in 2021).
The FCC says it received a national security determination from an interagency body on December 21, stating that “uncrewed aircraft systems” (UAS) and critical UAS components produced in a foreign country “can enable persistent surveillance, data intrusion, and destructive operations on U.S. territory” and “U.S. cybersecurity and critical-infrastructure guidance has repeatedly highlighted how foreign-made UAS can be used to access sensitive data.” “Can be used to enable remote unauthorized access, or can be disabled as desired.”
According to the FCC’s fact sheet, if you already have a drone made outside the US, you will still be able to use it. Drones or drone components may be removed from the covered list if the DoD or DHS “makes a specific determination to the FCC” that it does not pose an unacceptable risk.
“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as strengthen America’s leadership in global innovation,” says FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
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