The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday (December 22) that it would include Chinese drone manufacturer DJI and other foreign-made drones, as well as key drone components, on the FCC’s Controlled List and would prohibit the import or sale of most new drone models in the United States. The reason cited is that these foreign drones and components pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.
Being included on the FCC’s Controlled List means that in the future, DJI and other foreign drone companies will not be able to obtain FCC approval to sell new drone models in the United States.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr posted this news on the social media platform X on Monday, stating, “President Trump has made it clear that his administration will take action to protect our airspace and maintain America’s leadership in drones. We are achieving this through today’s action.”
Carr explained that today’s action will not affect consumers from continuing to use the drones they have previously purchased or obtained, nor will it prevent retailers from selling, importing, or promoting drone equipment models previously approved by the FCC. In addition, the FCC will provide appropriate avenues to exclude foreign drones that do not pose risks from this regulation. The Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security can make specific determinations to exempt certain drones, drone categories, or key drone components that do not pose relevant risks.
Carr stated that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, have the potential to enhance public safety and strengthen America’s global leadership in innovation. However, criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have increasingly weaponized these technologies, creating serious new threats to U.S. homeland security.
“I welcome this national security decision by the executive branch, and I am pleased to see that FCC has included foreign drones and related components that pose unacceptable national security risks on the controlled list,” Carr said.
Several Chinese companies, including Huawei and ZTE, have been placed on the FCC’s Controlled List, meaning that they are not eligible for FCC authorization.
Last year, the U.S. Congress passed a bill requiring DJI to be included on the FCC’s supervised list by December 23, 2025.