FCC Partially Reverses Foreign Drone Ban

Restriction still covers UAS and components produced by the Chinese company, which has raised alarm among drone pilots.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, January 08, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The FCC eased a restriction on foreign drones and components, but the ban still affects China’s DJI. [Credit: DJI]

Key Takeaways:

The FCC partially reversed its ban on foreign drones and components, but drones from China's DJI, a major market player, remain prohibited for sale in the U.S.
The revised ban now exempts UAS and components listed on the Pentagon's "Blue UAS" list, as well as those manufactured domestically meeting a 65% U.S. cost threshold, aiming to boost national security and the domestic drone industry.
Many U.S. drone operators, who are heavily reliant on DJI products, express significant concern, with a substantial portion fearing business closures due to the lack of viable and affordable alternatives.

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Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized the Commercial Drone Alliance’s stance on UAS manufactured in China. This story has been updated to reflect the group’s neutral position.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday partially reversed a sweeping ban on the sale of foreign drones and components. But to the chagrin of American uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operators, the ban still covers China’s DJI, which produces some of the world’s most widely used drones.