US FCC Blacklists New Foreign Drones

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken an unprecedented step by adding future foreign-made drones, encompassing all upcoming DJI and Autel products, to its Covered List just before Christmas 2025. This action prohibits any new foreign-made drones from receiving FCC certification, thus preventing their sale in the United States. This regulatory change, stemming from the National Defense Authorization Act, was anticipated as these manufacturers did not pass a required security audit by the December 23, 2025 deadline.

While existing drones already available in the U.S. market are exempt from this ban, the FCC's decision means that any new drone models released after this date will be barred from U.S. sales. This ruling primarily affects consumer-grade drones, as US-made alternatives are largely geared towards industrial, agricultural, or military applications and come with a significantly higher price tag. For instance, an American-made equivalent to a DJI Mini 5 Pro could cost between $4,000 and $5,000.

Drone owners can rest assured that their currently owned drones will continue to function legally, adhering to FAA flight regulations. Furthermore, replacement parts for these existing drones will still be accessible, as the FCC's component ban applies on a going-forward basis. However, this ruling also extends to other communications and video surveillance equipment from affected manufacturers, potentially impacting product lines beyond drones.