As of December 23, 2025, the US Federal Communications Commission barred Chinese-based drone maker DJI from importing any new drones into the United States. This doesn’t mean you can’t buy a DJI drone now; the entire DJI lineup is still available on Amazon.So what’s happening?
The key is the word “new.” The ban applies to any new drones, not those already on the market. No one is taking away drones already purchased. It remains legal to fly a drone, and the ban isn’t limited to DJI. it includes foreign-made drones from companies like Autel Robotics and HoverAir.DJI is singled out in headlines due to its market dominance, not the specifics of the rules.
With a major competitor facing restrictions, one might expect US-based companies to fill the gap. Skydio was once positioned to do so, and their drone received positive reviews, but they’ve as shifted away from the consumer market.
No New Drones
Courtesy of DJI
While existing drones remain for sale, it’s unlikely new models will arrive.Any device using radio frequency components requires FCC approval. As these drone companies haven’t completed the necessary security review by an approved US agency, they’ve been placed on the “Covered List,” effectively banning imports.
There’s some positive movement. Last week, the FCC amended its Covered List to exempt drones and components already approved by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS list, stating these don’t present unacceptable national security risks. This primarily affects government and enterprise drones, like the $13.6k Parrot Anafi USA Gov edition thermal drone,but it’s a step forward after a period of silence.
