Trump administration’s ban on foreign-made drones starts this week. You can say goodbye to new DJI models.

Starting this week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented a ban on the distribution of all new foreign-made drone models within the United States. This decision, taken by the Trump administration, stems from significant national security concerns. While Americans who currently own older foreign drone models will still be permitted to use them, the FCC has expressed worries that these devices could potentially be exploited by criminals, hostile foreign entities, and terrorists, posing serious threats to national safety. To address these concerns, the FCC has revised its Covered List, identifying products that are considered to present an unacceptable risk to national security. This list now encompasses all Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and critical components manufactured outside the U.S. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr endorsed the policy, stating, "I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List." He emphasized that the FCC would collaborate with American drone manufacturers to enhance the nation’s dominance in the drone industry. This new regulation is expected to significantly impact various companies, particularly Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, which currently leads the global drone market. DJI is a favored brand among American consumers, and the company has publicly expressed its disappointment regarding the FCC's decision. In a statement, DJI articulated its commitment to the U.S. market and advocated for an open and competitive environment that benefits consumers and commercial users alike. The company highlighted its dedication to safety and security, backed by extensive evaluations from U.S. government agencies and independent organizations. This move follows a series of actions taken by the Trump administration aimed at tightening regulations on Chinese firms. An executive order issued in June laid the foundation for this drone ban, emphasizing the need to strengthen the domestic drone manufacturing sector and secure the U.S. drone supply chain from foreign influence.