FCC Cracks Down on DJI Clones

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is initiating a significant crackdown by revoking existing product authorizations for nine companies that have been selling clones of DJI products in the United States. This action places these companies on the FCC's Covered List, effectively barring their products from sale in the US. Among the most prominent targets are Skyrover, which offered drones mimicking DJI's Mini series, and Xtra, known for rebranding Osmo action and vlogging cameras.

This represents a notable escalation in regulatory action, as it is the first time the FCC has utilized its authority to pull approvals from products that were previously deemed safe for use. The move is seen as a direct challenge to DJI's market influence and follows previous legislative actions. A 30-day public comment period is in effect, after which these previously approved DJI clones are expected to be officially added to the Covered List, impacting their availability in US stores.

The FCC's action stems from the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which aimed to restrict DJI's market access unless it passed a security audit. While DJI has not admitted to any connection with these clone brands, investigations reveal striking similarities. For instance, the Skyrover X1 shares an identical user interface and makes the same API calls as DJI's Fly app, and its hardware specifications closely match the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Similarly, Xtra's Muse camera is visually and functionally indistinguishable from the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Beyond drones, Xtra's camera clones, including the Sphra360, Edge, and Atto series, are also affected. This broader targeting of DJI's product lines, not just its drones, indicates a more comprehensive strategy by the FCC. The agency is also considering future actions, potentially including revoking approvals for DJI's own back catalog of products. In related news, the FCC also revoked approval for a drone from Odyssey Robot in a separate action.