U.S. Bans Imports of New Foreign-Made Drones, Targeting DJI and Autel

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a decision to ban the import and sale of new foreign-made drones, including well-known Chinese brands DJI and Autel, citing “unacceptable risks to national security.”

The decision was published on the FCC’s official website.

Under the new rules, newly released drone models and related components from foreign manufacturers will no longer be eligible for the required U.S. certification, effectively preventing them from entering the American market.

According to U.S. regulators, such systems pose a risk to the safety of American citizens.

The ban does not apply to drones that have already been purchased and are currently in use within the country.

The regulator justified the move as a measure to protect U.S. critical infrastructure and airspace, particularly in the context of preparations for major international events in 2026–2028, when the risks of unauthorized use of unmanned aerial systems are expected to increase.

In response to the decision, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged Washington to immediately remove foreign-made drones from the “Covered List,” calling the decision “mistaken” and harmful to the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.

In addition, Chinese manufacturers, including DJI, expressed disappointment with the FCC’s decision. They point to the lack of publicly available evidence of threats that would justify the restrictions and accuse the U.S. side of protectionism and unclear security assessment criteria.

U.S. drone manufacturers are heavily dependent on Chinese-made components in their products.