TL;DR
The Federal Communications Commission moved to bar distribution of all new foreign-made drone models in the United States, citing national security risks. Existing owners of older foreign-made drones can continue using those devices, the agency said.
What happened
On Monday the Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List to include all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components manufactured abroad, effectively prohibiting the distribution of new foreign-made drone models in the U.S. The agency said the change responds to national security concerns, arguing that drones could be exploited by criminals, hostile foreign actors and terrorists. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr endorsed the Executive Branch determination and said the agency will coordinate with U.S. drone manufacturers. The move follows a June executive order from the Trump administration aimed at strengthening domestic drone production and securing the supply chain. The change is expected to hit foreign manufacturers hard, particularly DJI, the globally dominant consumer drone maker and a popular brand in the United States. DJI told TechCrunch it was disappointed, said it was not singled out and that no supporting information has been released about the decision.
Why it matters
- The policy reshapes which drone models can be sold in the U.S., affecting consumer choice and retail offerings.
- U.S. drone manufacturers could gain market advantage as imports are restricted, aligning with the administration’s push to boost domestic production.
- The FCC’s action frames drones as a national security concern, which may influence future regulation and procurement decisions.
- Major foreign suppliers, notably DJI, may see a significant reduction in new-model sales to American customers.
Key facts
- The FCC added all foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components to its Covered List.
- The agency cited threats from criminals, hostile foreign actors and terrorists in a published fact sheet.
- The ban applies to distribution of new foreign-made drone models in the United States.
- Owners of older foreign-made drone models can continue to use those devices, according to the agency.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed support for the Executive Branch national security determination.
- The move follows a June executive order intended to grow U.S. drone manufacturing and secure the drone supply chain.
- DJI, the dominant global consumer drone maker and a popular brand with U.S. consumers, said it was disappointed by the FCC action.
- DJI told TechCrunch it was not specifically named and that the government has not disclosed what information informed its determination.
What to watch next
- How the FCC and other agencies will define and enforce the ban’s scope and what counts as 'foreign-made' — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether U.S. drone manufacturers can scale production to meet any shift in demand and how quickly they can do so — not confirmed in the source.
- Potential legal or administrative challenges from affected manufacturers, including DJI — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- FCC: Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. agency that regulates interstate and international communications.
- Covered List: A list maintained by the FCC identifying products that the agency deems to pose unacceptable national security risks.
- UAS: Unmanned Aircraft System, commonly referred to as a drone, including the aircraft and associated components.
- Executive order: A directive issued by the U.S. President that manages operations of the federal government and can guide policy implementation.
Reader FAQ
Can I still use my current foreign-made drone?
Yes. The FCC said Americans who already own older foreign-made drone models will still be able to use those products.
Is the ban specifically targeting DJI?
The FCC added all foreign-made UAS to the Covered List; DJI said it was not singled out but the rule is expected to significantly affect the company.
When did the ban take effect?
According to reporting, the FCC updated the Covered List on Monday; the article references the action beginning this week.
Will U.S. companies replace foreign drone supply immediately?
not confirmed in the source
On Monday, the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission banned all new foreign-made drone models from distribution in the U.S., citing “national security concerns.” Americans who already own older foreign drone…
Sources
- Trump administration’s ban on foreign-made drones starts this week — you can say goodbye to new DJI models
- FCC makes it official: New DJI drones won't enter US
- US bans new foreign drone models in a blow to Chinese …
- FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign UAS and …