US Announces Ban on Foreign-Made Drones

Outdoor enthusiasts exploring wilderness areas, race directors plotting course revisions, and photographers using drones to take dramatic images will encounter new restrictions in 2026.

The Federal Communications Commission announced it is barring imports of all new models of foreign-made drones and critical components including from China's DJI and Autel, saying they pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security.

The addition to the FCC's "Covered List" means that DJI, Autel and other foreign drone companies will not be able to obtain the necessary FCC approval to sell new models of drones or critical components in the U.S.

DJI, the world's largest dronemaker, said it was disappointed by the decision to add foreign-made drones to the Covered List. "While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination," the company said.

The FCC said it received the results of a White House-convened, executive-branch interagency review of the risks of foreign drones on Sunday, which found that imported drones and components pose security risks "given the threats from unauthorized surveillance, sensitive data exfiltration, supply chain vulnerabilities, and other potential threats to the homeland."

The FCC cited the upcoming Olympics and the World Cup and concerns about drone misuse. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June that aims to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese drone companies.