As of December 23, 2025, the US Federal Communications Fee barred Chinese language-based drone maker DJI from importing any new drones into the United State. Which may sound like you possibly can’t purchase a DJI drone proper now, however that is not true. Head over to Amazon and nearly the whole DJI drone lineup continues to be on the market. So what provides? Are they banned or not?
The important thing phrase within the earlier paragraph was any new drone. Nothing DJI has made up to now is banned. Nobody is taking your drone away. It is nonetheless completely authorized to fly a drone. And this is not simply a DJI ban. It is a ban on foreign-made drones, which incorporates these from firms corresponding to DJI, Autel Robotics, HoverAir, and thers. That DJI is singled out in headlines has extra to do with its market dominance than the best way the principles are written.
I would wish to say that with the most important competitor basically faraway from the market that US-based firms are swooping in with new drones. Truly we did say that once about Skydio, and we even preferred the Skydio drone we tested, however since then Skydio has shifted away from the patron market.
No New Drones
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Courtesy of DJI
Whereas it is excellent news that the outdated stuff continues to be on the market, it is unlikely that any new drones will arrive.
As a way to promote in america, something that makes use of radio frequency parts must be accredited by the FCC. Drones use radio frequencies when flying, in order that they fall below FCC jurisdiction. As a result of not one of the drone firms have had the safety assessment they want by an accredited US company, they’ve all been positioned on what’s known as the Coated Record. Corporations on the Coated Record shouldn’t have approval to import merchandise into the US, successfully banning them.
There’s some proof that wheels are turning someplace, in a manner that would spell excellent news for shopper drone flyers. Final week, the FCC amended its Covered List to exempt drones and parts already accredited by the Protection Contract Administration Company’s Blue UAS listing. The FCC says in its public assertion, “The DoW has decided that UAS and UAS vital parts included on Protection Contract Administration Company’s (DCMA’s) Blue UAS listing don’t presently current unacceptable dangers to the nationwide safety of america or to the security and safety of US individuals.”
For essentially the most half, this does not actually influence shopper drones, except you have been available in the market for a $13.6k Parrot Anafi USA Gov edition thermal drone, but it surely’s higher than silence, which has been the first factor we have heard main as much as the December ban.
