Is DJI Banned in the US? What the FCC Covered List Means for Pilots and Buyers

1. What the FCC Actually Did (and Why)

The FCC regulates radio equipment, not airspace. That's why its action is about selling new devices, not flying existing ones.

The NDAA background

Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act required a national security agency to determine, by December 23, 2025, whether communications or video surveillance equipment from named Chinese drone makers, including DJI and Autel, posed an unacceptable risk. If no agency acted, the equipment would be added to the FCC's Covered List automatically. Holland & Knight has a clear summary of how that deadline drove what came next.

December 22, 2025: all foreign-made drones added

The determination went further than DJI. After a national security determination received December 21, the FCC added all UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country to the Covered List on December 22, 2025, unless the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security decides otherwise for a specific product. Covered equipment can't receive new FCC equipment authorizations, which every new radio-transmitting product needs before it can be sold in the US.

What the FCC says it doesn't do

The FCC's own fact sheet is direct: the update "does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing device models the FCC previously authorized," and "consumers can continue to use any drone they have already lawfully purchased or acquired." Retailers can keep selling models that were authorized before the change.

Exemptions so far

On January 7, 2026, the FCC exempted drones and components on the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS Cleared List and items that qualify as domestic end products under Buy American rules, through January 1, 2027. DJI isn't in either category. In March 2026 the FCC also began granting Department of War "conditional approvals" for specific foreign drones, according to Wiley.

2. What It Means for Owners and Buyers

Here is the practical version, the one we give at the counter.

At a glance

If you already own a DJI drone

Keep flying. Nothing in the FCC action touches your FAA registration, your TRUST certificate or your Part 107 certificate. Firmware is the other worry, and the FCC has addressed it: a January 2026 blanket waiver allows software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to US consumers, and in May 2026 the FCC extended that waiver through at least January 1, 2029 (DroneDJ). Do keep spare batteries and props on hand. Supply of accessories for older models can tighten when no new models replace them.

If you're shopping now

If a model was authorized before December 22, 2025, it can still be legally imported and sold. That's why you'll still find DJI drones like the Mini 5 Pro and Neo 2 in our drone department. What you won't see are new DJI models that missed the cutoff. Buy from a US retailer that stocks authorized US-market units, so you get the right firmware, warranty and support.

Caveats worth knowing

The FCC has a process to restrict continued importation of previously authorized covered equipment, and law firms reported in early 2026 that some DJI and Autel authorizations were quietly revoked without a public list of devices (Wiley). DJI is challenging its designation at the FCC and in the Ninth Circuit. None of that affects drones already in your hands, but it's why we recommend buying the model you want while it's on the shelf rather than waiting.

3. The August 2026 Proposal: Thermal, LiDAR and "Military-Grade" Drones

This is the part that's still moving, and it matters most to commercial operators.

What's proposed

On August 3, 2026, the FCC published a proposal in PS Docket No. 26-189 to treat certain drone categories as covered equipment, including aircraft of 55 lb or more, thermal-imaging systems, LiDAR-equipped aircraft, docking stations, systems designed to carry defense articles, swarming systems, and aircraft that dispense economic poisons such as agricultural sprayers (eeNews Europe). If adopted, the FCC proposes giving parties 180 days after Federal Register publication to stop importing and marketing affected equipment.

What it would and wouldn't do

As described, the proposal doesn't revoke permission to fly affected drones that owners already have. It would affect future sales and imports of models with those capabilities, which includes many enterprise drones used for inspection, public safety and agriculture, such as the thermal DJI Matrice 4T. DJI disputes the classification and argues these tools are used every day by first responders, farmers and inspectors.

What to do now

1. Don't panic-sell. No rule has been adopted, and existing drones keep flying.
2. Comment if it affects you. Comments are due September 2, 2026, in PS Docket 26-189 on the FCC's filing system.
3. Plan purchases. If your business depends on thermal or LiDAR, talk to us about timing, spare batteries and service plans.
4. Keep your paperwork current. Part 107, registration and Remote ID compliance don't change either way.

Conclusion

DJI isn't banned from US skies. If you own one, keep flying it, keep it updated and keep your FAA paperwork current. If you're buying, previously authorized models are still legal to sell and to fly. What the FCC has stopped is authorization of new foreign-made models, and its August 2026 proposal could limit future sales of thermal, LiDAR and other specialized drones if it's adopted.

Questions about a specific model? Stop by Atlanta Hobby and talk to our UAV Experts team, browse drones in stock, or get certified through our Part 107 ground school.

Gear Mentioned in This Guide

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo

Under-250 g camera drone with a 1-inch sensor.

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DJI Neo 2 Fly More Combo

151 g, full prop guards, palm launch and obstacle sensing.

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DJI Matrice 4T (Thermal)

Thermal for moisture and insulation.

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DJI Matrice 4 Series Battery

Plan on three per job day.

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Frequently Asked Questions