The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved new restrictions that will significantly limit the future entry of foreign-manufactured drones into the American market. Citing national security and public safety risks, the agency announced that newly produced drones and key drone components made outside the United States will no longer be allowed for import or sale unless they receive formal backing from the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security.
The decision represents a major regulatory shift for the drone industry and reflects growing concerns within the U.S. government about the role of foreign-made technology in sensitive sectors. By placing drones under tighter oversight, the FCC aims to reduce what it describes as potential vulnerabilities linked to data security, surveillance, and infrastructure protection.
Drones Added to the FCC’s “Covered List”
As part of the action, the FCC has added drones—officially classified as uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS—to its “Covered List.” This list identifies communications-related equipment that regulators believe could pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security or to the safety of American citizens.
Once equipment is placed on the Covered List, it faces strict limitations. Products included on the list are generally denied FCC authorization, a requirement for legal importation and sale in the United States. Without this authorization, manufacturers are effectively blocked from introducing new products into the U.S. market.
The Covered List has previously been used to restrict a range of foreign technologies. Telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE was added in 2021, followed by Kaspersky antivirus software in 2024. The inclusion of drones places the rapidly expanding drone sector alongside other technologies the U.S. government views as strategically sensitive.
Security Determination Prompted the Move
According to the FCC, the decision follows a National Security Determination delivered on December 21 by an interagency body within the Executive Branch. That assessment concluded that drones and critical drone components manufactured abroad could present serious risks if deployed within U.S. airspace.
The determination warned that foreign-made drones could be used for persistent surveillance, unauthorized data collection, or more disruptive activities. Regulators also referenced existing cybersecurity and critical-infrastructure guidance that has repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with foreign-manufactured unmanned systems. These risks include the potential harvesting of sensitive data, unauthorized remote access to systems, and the ability for devices to be disabled or manipulated through software updates.
Officials have increasingly emphasized that as drones become more advanced and more deeply integrated into public safety operations, infrastructure monitoring, and commercial services, the consequences of compromised systems could be significant.
DJI Reacts to FCC Action
DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer and a dominant supplier in the U.S. market, responded critically to the FCC’s decision. The company said it was disappointed by the move, while noting that it was not directly named in the ruling.
DJI’s head of global policy, Adam Welsh, stated that the company had not been informed of the specific information used by the Executive Branch to reach its determination. He emphasized that DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and confirmed that existing DJI drones already in use would continue operating as normal.
While the ruling applies broadly to foreign-made drones rather than targeting individual firms, industry observers say companies like DJI are likely to feel the impact most strongly due to their large footprint in the American consumer, commercial, and public-sector drone markets.
Existing Drone Owners Can Continue Operations
The FCC has made clear that the new restrictions will not affect people or organizations that already own foreign-manufactured drones. According to the agency’s fact sheet, drones currently in operation will remain legal to use, and there are no plans to disable or restrict them retroactively.
This clarification is particularly important for public safety departments, farmers, photographers, construction firms, and infrastructure inspectors who rely heavily on foreign-made drones for daily operations. By limiting the rule’s scope to future authorizations and imports, the FCC aims to avoid disruption while still tightening oversight moving forward.
However, access to new equipment may become more constrained if manufacturers are unable to obtain the necessary recommendations from federal security agencies.
Possibility of Removal From the Covered List
While the FCC’s decision introduces significant hurdles, it does not permanently ban all foreign-made drones. The agency confirmed that drones or drone components can be removed from the Covered List if the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security determines that they do not pose unacceptable risks.
This process places responsibility on manufacturers to address security concerns and satisfy federal agencies that their products are safe. Industry experts note that such reviews could be complex and time-consuming, particularly as drones play an increasing role in law enforcement, emergency response, and national infrastructure.
Balancing Innovation With National Security
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr framed the decision as an effort to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding national interests. He acknowledged that drones have the potential to improve public safety and strengthen U.S. leadership in technological development, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive systems and data.
The move aligns with a broader U.S. strategy to reduce dependence on foreign-made technology in areas tied to communications, surveillance, and data transmission. As geopolitical tensions persist and technology becomes more central to national security, regulatory scrutiny of emerging tools like drones is expected to intensify.
