The FCC Could Cut Off Future Access to Popular DJI Drone Models in the U.S. – Here’s What You Can Do About It

In December 2025, DJI was added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List after a deadline for a government audit passed, without a completed review or any specific security vulnerability in DJI products being publicly identified. The listing prevented new DJI products from receiving FCC authorization, but products already cleared for the U.S. market could continue to be imported and sold. 

Now, the FCC is considering reversing that position and restricting cleared products as well.

What is the FCC proposing?

The FCC is seeking public comment on whether to prohibit future imports and sales of certain foreign-made drones already cleared for the U.S. market.

Although the proposal is framed as targeting “military-grade” drones, the FCC’s definition could include drones with thermal imaging or LiDAR capabilities, agricultural spraying drones, docking stations, and other products widely used by first responders, farmers, infrastructure inspectors, small businesses, and hobbyists.

This could affect DJI FlyCart and agricultural drones, enterprise platforms, and dock stations  – even though these are civilian and commercial tools, not “military-grade”  equipment.

What would the restrictions mean?

If adopted, it could amount to a ban on future sales of certified and currently available products. Products already cleared for the U.S. market could no longer be imported or sold, while covered replacement components could also become harder, or impossible, to obtain. 

People could continue using DJI products they already own, but the same models in use today might no longer be available to purchase in the future. This is a total reversal from the FCC’s previous position, and it is U.S. operators that would bear the cost. 

Public safety agencies could lose access to life-saving tools. Farmers could face significantly higher costs for precision agriculture. Small businesses and infrastructure operators could be forced to replace functioning equipment with more expensive alternatives – or abandon drone programs altogether. For many, there are no comparable domestic alternatives.

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Restricting products already cleared for sale would increase costs, limit choice, and put essential technology further out of reach for the Americans who rely on it.

DJI drones are civilian tools

DJI does not design or manufacture military-grade equipment, nor has it marketed or sold its products for military use. DJI develops technology for commercial, agricultural, recreational, and public safety applications, and has consistently opposed the weaponization of civilian drones.

Yet the FCC's proposed definition is broad enough to capture many of the civilian drones Americans rely on every day. It could even include consumer models used by hobbyists simply because they use LiDAR to improve positioning and obstacle avoidance - a safety feature, not a military capability.

Including DJI in this overly broad definition does not strengthen national security. It simply limits access to the tools that first responders, farmers, small businesses, and communities across America depend on.

Make your voice heard

The FCC is accepting public comments on this proposal until September 2, 2026.

Whether you use drones for public safety, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, your business, or recreation, your experience matters.

The FCC is asking questions like:

• Are the proposed restrictions sweeping in drones that are not "military-grade"?
• Are comparable U.S.-made alternatives available?
• How would these restrictions affect consumers and businesses?
• Would the proposal be cost-effective and in the public interest?

You don't need to be a policy expert or drone engineer to answer these questions. The most valuable comments are personal, practical, and based on real-world experience.

Tell the FCC:

• How you use drones
• Why the capabilities you rely on matter
• How these restrictions would affect your work, business, or community
• Whether affordable, comparable alternatives exist

Thousands of drone users have already shared their stories – now it's your opportunity to add your voice.

If you rely on these tools and the advanced capabilities they provide, tell the FCC not to move forward with these restrictions.

Submit your comment before September 2.

Visit the Drone Advocacy Alliance website to learn more and submit your comment.