The day many filmmakers feared has arrived. The FCC has officially added DJI and other foreign-made drones to its “Covered List,” effectively banning the authorization of new models in the United States. While existing fleets remain legal to fly for now, the future of the drone industry in the US has just shifted dramatically. Here is what you need to know. For months, we have reported on the looming possibility of a nationwide ban on Chinese-manufactured drones. With the passing of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a series of Executive Orders in June 2025, the writing was on the wall. Late yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made it official. In a press release issued December 22, the FCC announced that “unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components” produced in foreign countries have been added to its “Covered List.” This move, effective immediately, blocks new device authorizations, meaning future DJI drones (and likely other foreign brands) cannot be legally imported or sold in the US. The FCC Ruling: What Happened? The FCC’s decision follows a “National Security Determination” by an interagency body convened by the White House. The determination concludes that foreign-made drones pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States.” FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a long-time vocal critic of DJI, stated: “I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination… Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.” Technically, this is not a “ban” on ownership, but a ban...
Published By: CineD - Yesterday