Home / Technology / DJI Drones Still Available: FCC Import Ban Explained
DJI Drones Still Available: FCC Import Ban Explained
19 Jan
Summary
- US FCC banned new DJI drone imports starting December 23, 2025.
- Existing DJI drones are still legal to fly and purchase in the US.
- FCC now exempts drones approved by the Defense Contract Management Agency.
As of December 23, 2025, the US Federal Communications Commission has prohibited the importation of new drones from Chinese manufacturer DJI. Despite this, current DJI drones are still available for purchase in the United States and remain legal to operate, with no existing devices being confiscated. This restriction applies to all foreign-made drones, impacting companies like Autel Robotics and HoverAir, with DJI being prominently mentioned due to its significant market share.
The FCC's action stems from a requirement for all radio frequency-emitting products, including drones, to undergo security reviews by an approved US agency before importation. Drones failing to meet these criteria are placed on the "Covered List," effectively barring their import. This situation has led to a lack of new drone models entering the US market from foreign competitors.
However, recent developments offer a glimmer of hope. The FCC amended its Covered List to exempt drones and components that have already received approval from the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS list. While this primarily impacts government-grade drones, it signals a potential shift, indicating that certain approved foreign-made drones may soon be permitted into the US market.
