Are DJI Drones Banned in the US? What It Means for Buyers and the Alternatives
ProSimHQ
Are DJI drones banned in the US? It depends on the model and the date. Since December 22, 2025, the FCC's Covered List has blocked new foreign-made drone models, including DJI and Autel, from FCC equipment authorization. The FCC says models it already authorized can still be imported, sold and used under the Covered List; Section 232 duties also apply.
Published: 2026-10-19 | Reading time: Approximately 10 minutes
Status as of October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- New models are blocked from FCC authorization. The FCC says models it previously authorized can still be imported, sold and used under the Covered List.
- Tariffs are separate. Section 232 import duties of up to 100% have applied to drones since September 3, 2026 (Proclamation 11055).
- Autel is in the same position as DJI. The FY2025 NDAA names both companies.
- Two FCC proposals are open, not final, as of October 19, 2026. One proposes stopping import and marketing of previously authorized foreign "military-grade" drones, including thermal-camera drones and docks.
- The exempt routes: the Blue UAS Cleared List, Buy American "domestic end products", Conditional Approvals and defined toy drones.
Are DJI Drones Banned in the US? What the FCC Actually Did
The FCC added foreign-produced drones and their critical components to its Covered List on December 22, 2025. The Covered List is the FCC's list of communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable national security risk. The FCC says equipment on it is prohibited from getting FCC equipment authorization.
Equipment authorization is the FCC approval most electronic devices need, in the FCC's words, "prior to importation, marketing, or sale in the U.S."
The FCC Covered List, dated October 16, 2026, covers "uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country," plus all equipment listed in Section 1709(a)(1) of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
A UAS (uncrewed aircraft system) is the aircraft plus the controller, data links and ground equipment needed to fly it. The FCC's list of critical components includes flight controllers, data transmission devices, ground control stations and controllers, navigation systems, sensors and cameras, batteries and motors, and the FCC says drone docks are included.
The key word is "produced": the FCC states the producer's nationality "is not relevant"; the place of production counts.
What Does It Mean for DJI Drones You Own or Want to Buy?
For DJI drones it already authorized, the FCC's Covered List FAQ for UAS (updated July 21, 2026) states that additions to the list "do not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing device models the FCC previously authorized."
| Activity | What the FCC states about the Covered List |
|---|---|
| A new DJI or Autel model getting FCC authorization | Prohibited; the FCC says new covered models are "therefore prohibited from being imported or sold in the U.S." |
| Importing or selling a model the FCC already authorized | Not prohibited by the Covered List as of October 19, 2026; see the open proposals. Section 232 duties apply to drone imports listed in Proclamation 11055 (below) |
| Using a drone that has FCC authorization | The FCC says consumers "can continue to use any device that has received an equipment authorization" |
| Repairs and identical replacement parts | The FCC says its Covered List rules do not prohibit them for already-authorized devices |
| Firmware and software updates | The FCC says basic updates can continue under a waiver, "to maintain usability" |
| A covered drone bought abroad that never had FCC authorization | The FCC's general answer on operating it in the US is "no" |
FAA rules on how and where you fly still apply. The FCC states its list "is independent of" FAA, DHS and Commerce Department regimes. Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) opened a separate drone supply-chain (ICTS) rulemaking on January 3, 2025; as of October 19, 2026, the Federal Register shows no rule issued in it.
A separate Commerce Section 232 investigation (notice published July 16, 2025) led to duties. Proclamation 11055, signed August 13, 2026, covers drones entered from September 3, 2026: 25% at a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg or less, and 100% for heavier drones, drones that integrate thermal imagers, docking stations and certain components. Some trading partners get lower caps, and listed Blue UAS and Conditional Approval products start 180 days after the proclamation date.
Autel vs DJI: Does Switching Brands Avoid the Restrictions?
No. Autel and DJI sit in the same regulatory position. Section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA (Public Law 118-159) names two companies: equipment "produced by Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (commonly known as 'DJI Technologies')" and equipment "produced by Autel Robotics", along with their subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees.
Both companies have challenged the listing. An FCC notice of March 6, 2026 (DA 26-223) records a DJI petition for reconsideration and an Autel application for review, both filed January 21, 2026, in ET Dockets 26-22 and 26-23.
Where Things Stand on October 19, 2026: In Force, Proposed, Unresolved
1. In force as of October 19, 2026: the statute and final actions
| Action | Issued by | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NDAA Section 1709 names equipment produced by DJI and Autel Robotics | Congress (Public Law 118-159) | Approved December 23, 2024 |
| Covered List entry for foreign-produced drones and critical components: no new FCC authorizations | FCC | December 22, 2025; last updated July 21, 2026 |
| Import and marketing prohibition on previously authorized equipment added to the Covered List in 2024 or earlier. The FCC says it "will not affect equipment added to the Covered List in 2025 or 2026, such as certain foreign-produced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems" | FCC (DA 26-635) | Released June 26, 2026; effective July 16, 2026 |
| No new authorization for a device containing logic-bearing parts made by an entity named on the Covered List, where the device would be barred had that entity made it (FCC 26-50). The FCC says this "does not affect previously authorized equipment" | FCC (ET Docket 21-232) | Adopted July 22, 2026; effective October 13, 2026 |
| Section 232 import duties on drones, up to 100% by category | The President (Proclamation 11055) | Signed August 13, 2026; effective September 3, 2026 |
2. Proposed, not final, as of October 19, 2026: PS Dockets 26-184 and 26-189
Proposal 1, July 17, 2026 (PS Docket 26-184): stop import and marketing of previously authorized covered drones and Section 1709 equipment produced by nine named companies and their affiliates. A follow-on notice dated August 10, 2026 proposes the same for Anzu Robotics. DJI and Autel are not among the named companies in either notice.
Proposal 2, July 21, 2026 (PS Docket 26-189): stop import and marketing of previously authorized foreign "military-grade" drones. The FCC's July 21, 2026 fact sheet lists the categories: swarming drones, drones designed to integrate defense articles, thermal imaging drones, drones integrating LiDAR, aerosol drones able to dispense "economic poison" under FAA rules, drone docking stations, and UAS weighing 55 lb or more.
The FCC says this proposal would exclude US-produced and exempt equipment and federal use, and would not affect continued use of drones already purchased. Comments closed September 2, 2026. As of October 19, 2026, neither docket shows a final FCC decision.
3. Unresolved as of October 19, 2026
- Whether the FCC will adopt either proposal, in what form, or when.
- How or when the FCC will rule on DJI's petition and Autel's application for review.
- Whether the Blue UAS and Buy American exemptions will be extended beyond January 1, 2028.
- Which Section 232 rate applies to a given model. The proclamation lists products by tariff code, and we have not matched any model to those lists.
- Whether the BIS drone ICTS rulemaking will produce a rule.
We do not predict these outcomes. If you plan a fleet that relies on thermal aircraft or docks, check PS Docket 26-189 before you buy.
DJI Ban Alternatives: Which Drones Are Exempt?
The FCC's Covered List entry lists four exceptions, two of them time-limited.
| Exemption route | What it means | Time limit (per the Covered List, Oct 16, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue UAS Cleared List | On the Defense Contract Management Agency's list; the FCC describes these as cleared for sale to the Department of War | Until January 1, 2028 |
| Buy American "domestic end products" | The FCC describes this as assembled in the US with at least 65% of components by value produced in the US (48 CFR 25.101(a)) | Until January 1, 2028 |
| Conditional Approval | A specific clearance from the Department of War or DHS, tied to an onshoring plan | No end date where none is stated, while the onshoring plan is followed |
| Toy drones | "Toy Drones" as defined in a Department of War determination | None stated |
Both dates were originally January 1, 2027; the FCC extended them on July 21, 2026.
None of the drone Conditional Approvals on the Covered List page (section updated October 16, 2026) are DJI or Autel products.
Inspired Flight Options at ProSimHQ
If a contract or agency policy asks for NDAA or Blue UAS status on a drone with camera for mapping or inspection, check the official list as well as the maker's claims. ProSimHQ carries Inspired Flight; its product pages state:
| Platform | What Inspired Flight states | Specifications Inspired Flight publishes | Use Inspired Flight describes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat | Its product page carries "Made in USA", "NDAA Compliant", "Blue UAS certified" and "Green UAS certified" badges | Up to 54 min max flight time, 6.6 lb (3.0 kg) max payload, 18.7 lb with batteries, ArduPilot software | "Research, surveying, and mapping" |
| Inspired Flight IF1200 (IF1200A at ProSimHQ) | The same four badges on its product page | About 19 lb (8.6 kg) max payload, 35.9 lb with batteries, 54.9 lb max gross takeoff weight | "Heavy-lift operations" |
Figures and badges are from Inspired Flight's IF800 and IF1200 pages, retrieved October 19, 2026. We could not load the official Blue UAS Cleared List to confirm these entries; check it before relying on that status.
At ProSimHQ, the Inspired Flight IF800 Quadcopter, GS-One Base Bundle is listed at $29,500, and the Inspired Flight IF1200A with GS-ONE & Sony ILX-LR1 Imaging Bundle at $49,745 (prices as listed October 19, 2026).
For flight-time and range claims, see our guide to drone range, battery life and performance. For camera settings and composition, see our drone photography and videography guide.
Who Should Pick Which?
- Hobbyists and creators: the FCC states its Covered List does not restrict continued use of authorized drones.
- Commercial operators with thermal or docked workflows: PS Docket 26-189 names those categories. As proposed, it would stop import and marketing of previously authorized foreign-produced thermal drones and docks that are on the Covered List and not exempt, not continued use of drones already purchased.
- Public agencies, utilities and contractors with procurement rules: start with platforms whose makers state NDAA and Blue UAS status, and confirm the model on the official Blue UAS list.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming "banned" means "illegal to fly". The FCC says consumers "can continue to use the devices they lawfully purchased."
- Taking "NDAA compliant" on trust. Check the model against the Blue UAS list and the exemption dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DJI drones banned in the US?
It depends on the model. Since December 22, 2025, new foreign-produced drone models, including new DJI models, cannot receive FCC equipment authorization, which the FCC says prohibits their import or sale. The FCC states that models it authorized earlier can still be imported, sold and used, though Section 232 duties have applied to drone imports listed in Proclamation 11055 since September 3, 2026. Two FCC proposals were still open as of October 19, 2026.
Can I still fly my DJI drone?
According to the FCC, yes, if it has FCC authorization. Its Covered List FAQ states that consumers can continue to use any device that has received an equipment authorization, and that its rules do not prohibit repairs and identical replacement parts for already-authorized devices. Basic firmware updates can continue under an FCC waiver. FAA rules for where and how you fly still apply separately.
Does the DJI ban apply to Autel drones too?
Yes. Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act names equipment produced by DJI and by Autel Robotics, including their subsidiaries, affiliates and partners. The FCC added that equipment to the Covered List on December 22, 2025, alongside all foreign-produced drones. Autel filed an Application for Review of that action in January 2026, and DJI filed a Petition for Reconsideration; neither had been decided as of October 19, 2026.
What are the DJI ban alternatives?
The FCC's Covered List exempts drones on the Blue UAS Cleared List, those qualifying as Buy American domestic end products, those granted a Conditional Approval, and defined toy drones. The first two exemptions run until January 1, 2028. At ProSimHQ, Inspired Flight's product pages for the IF800 and IF1200 carry Made in USA, NDAA Compliant and Blue UAS certified badges; confirm the model on the official Blue UAS list.
Not Sure Which Way to Go?
Tell us what you fly, what it must carry, and any contract or agency compliance requirements. We will walk you through what Inspired Flight states.
See the IF800 Base Bundle Talk to Us Before You BuyProSimHQ Editorial Note
ProSimHQ is an independent retailer carrying drones from multiple manufacturers. This article summarizes FCC, congressional and presidential documents as retrieved on October 19, 2026; it is general information, not legal advice, so consult qualified counsel about your situation. Check the FCC Covered List on the day you buy. Specifications are manufacturers' published figures, not our testing.