The FCC’s foreign drone ban is here

Federal Communications Commission New drones banned Made in foreign countries may not be imported into the United States unless recommended by the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security. Monday’s action added drones To the FCC Covered List.qualifying foreign-made drones and drone parts, such as those produced by DJI, as communications equipment that poses “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of American persons.”

DJI is “disappointed” by today’s action, Adam Welsh, head of global policy for DJI, said in a statement. “Although DJI has not been identified, no information has been released regarding the information the Executive used in reaching its decision.” Welch adds that DJI “remains committed to the US market” and notes that existing products can continue to operate as usual. Other items on the FCC’s list include Kaspersky antivirus software (added in 2024) and telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE (added in 2024). In 2021).

The FCC says it received a national security determination on December 21 from an interagency panel stating that “unmanned aircraft systems” (UAS) and critical UAS components produced in a foreign country could “enable persistent surveillance, data leakage, and destructive operations over U.S. soil” and that “U.S. Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Guidance has repeatedly highlighted how foreign-manufactured UAS can be used to collect sensitive data, used to enable unauthorized remote access, or disable depending on Desire via software updates.”

If you already own a drone made outside the United States, you will still be able to use it. According to the FCC fact sheet.. Drones or drone components can be removed from the covered list if the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security makes an “FCC specific determination” that they do not pose unacceptable risks.

“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, provide the ability to enhance public safety as well as advance America’s leadership in global innovation.” says FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.