DJI Drones Could Face Imminent Ban in the US
FCC Actions Threaten to Halt DJI Sales
As Thanksgiving celebrations conclude and Black Friday sales begin, DJI enthusiasts might need to expedite their purchases. The company has issued an urgent warning: its drones may soon be banned from sale in the United States due to impending regulatory decisions.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted 3-0 to "close loopholes" allowing tech considered a "national security risk" to be sold in the US. This action is paving the way for DJI to receive the same treatment as Huawei, a Chinese phone-maker already barred from the American market.
The US government has identified DJI, a China-based company, as a security risk and is also contemplating a similar ban on TP-Link routers.
DJI has been proactive, alerting consumers via Instagram that a "deadline that could decide DJI’s fate in the US is just 19 days away." The company's warnings suggest an "automatic ban" could occur if an audit is not conducted. The US has been vocal about security concerns regarding the Chinese drone maker, and actions might intensify just before the holiday season.
However, future bans won't conclude with this vote. Targeted actions on specific products would involve a public consultation phase. Nonetheless, it seems the FCC is gearing up to exclude future and some existing DJI drones from US markets, alongside products utilizing DJI technology.
An audit, requested by year-end, is central to preventing a default ban under national security laws. DJI has called for this audit to occur ahead of any prohibitions.
In a statement to CNET, a DJI representative highlighted that the FCC's vote involves rules not yet applicable to DJI. However, the December deadline under the National Defense Authorization Act could place DJI on the FCC ban list "without evidence of wrongdoing or the right to appeal."
Adam Welsh, DJI's head of global policy, emphasized that the company is open to audits but has witnessed no progress despite more than ten months passing. "The US government has every right to enhance national security, but it must ensure due process, fairness, and transparency," Welsh said, urging for either a start to the audit process or an extension.
Current DJI drone owners should note that the ban pertains only to new sales, so existing drones remain legal. However, government agencies are already forbidden from procuring or using drones from DJI.
DJI drones enjoy a strong standing in the market, frequently topping product lists such as CNET's best drones for 2025. Nevertheless, availability issues are noticeable, with some new models, like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, absent from US shelves.
Even with no official bans, acquiring DJI products might prove challenging. UAV Coach's guide notes frequent sellouts due to inventory concerns, independent of the FCC’s future decisions.
