What's going on with the "ban" on DJI drones and what does that mean for you?
After December 23, 2025, it’s likely you’ll face significant restrictions on legally selling DJI drones in the United States due to provisions in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Here’s a breakdown of the situation based on available information:
- NDAA Deadline and FCC Covered List: The 2025 NDAA mandates that DJI undergo a security audit by a U.S. national security agency by December 23, 2025. If no audit is completed, DJI will automatically be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. This would classify new DJI drones as untrusted communications equipment, blocking them from receiving FCC authorization for radio frequencies needed to operate. Without this authorization, importing and selling new DJI drones in the U.S. would be illegal. As of now, no agency has confirmed starting the audit, making the ban highly probable.
- Impact on Selling New DJI Drones: If DJI is added to the Covered List, you won’t be able to legally sell new DJI drones or other DJI products with radio transmitters (e.g., cameras or gimbals) imported after December 23, 2025. The FCC’s recent 3-0 vote in October 2025 also grants it authority to retroactively ban previously approved DJI products, meaning even existing models could face import and sales restrictions if the FCC applies this power.
- Existing Inventory: You may be able to sell existing DJI drone stock already in the U.S. before December 23, 2025, as the ban primarily targets new imports and FCC authorizations. Retailers like Amazon or brick-and-mortar stores could continue selling inventory legally imported and FCC-approved before the deadline, but availability will likely shrink as no new stock can be imported. However, if the FCC retroactively revokes authorizations for existing models, even this could be restricted.
- Shell Companies and Workarounds: DJI has been linked to shell companies (e.g., Skyrover, Cogito) selling drones under different brands to bypass restrictions. However, the FCC’s new rules target components from Covered List companies, meaning these drones could also be banned if traced to DJI technology. This closes loopholes for selling rebranded DJI products.
- Other Restrictions: Beyond the NDAA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been blocking DJI drone imports, citing alleged forced labor concerns under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, though DJI denies these claims. Additionally, some states (e.g., Florida, Arkansas) have banned DJI drones for government use, which could influence broader market dynamics.
- Potential Exceptions: If a national security agency completes an audit before the deadline and clears DJI, or if the Trump administration extends the deadline (as it did with TikTok), the ban could be delayed or avoided. However, with no audit underway and political pressure to favor U.S. drone manufacturers, this seems unlikely. Donald Trump Jr.’s ties to a competing drone company, Unusual Machines, further suggest support for the ban.
- Practical Implications for Sellers: If you plan to sell DJI drones, stock up on inventory before December 23, 2025, to sell legally afterward, but be prepared for limited supply and potential retroactive bans. Prices for existing stock may spike due to scarcity. You should also monitor FCC announcements and consult legal advice to ensure compliance, as regulations could evolve rapidly.
- No Evidence of Wrongdoing: Despite allegations of data security risks or ties to the Chinese military, no public evidence has substantiated these claims against DJI. A U.S. judge in September 2025 found insufficient evidence to support claims of Chinese Communist Party ownership. DJI has stated it stores U.S. data domestically and deleted flight logs in 2024 to address privacy concerns.
In summary, while you can likely sell existing, pre-December 23, 2025, DJI drone inventory in the U.S., selling new DJI drones after that date will probably be illegal unless an audit clears DJI or the deadline is extended. Plan for a high likelihood of the ban taking effect and consider diversifying to non-DJI products to mitigate risks. For the latest updates, check DJI’s official statements or the FCC’s Covered
