FCC Decision Paves Way for Retroactive U.S. Ban on DJI’s Drone Lineup

The U.S. government just cranked up the pressure on DJI AGAIN, and this time it’s not subtle. In a unanimous 3 to 0 vote, the FCC basically gave itself a giant red “retroactive ban” button. Translation: even devices it already approved for sale could get kicked out of the U.S. later if their manufacturers are deemed security risks.

Sounds like bureaucratic legalese, right? Nope. This is a massive deal especially for DJI because it could end up being the final nail in the coffin for new DJI drones entering the U.S. The move was first reported by The Verge, which described it as a national security measure designed to block possible backdoors in Chinese-made telecom tech. But practically speaking, it also sets the stage to block DJI from importing any new drones or wireless gear starting December 23.

To be clear, the FCC didn’t say “DJI, you’re banned.” Instead, it’s preparing to add the company to its Covered List under the Secure and Trusted Communication Networks Act which is a list that, frankly, you never want to be on. If DJI lands on it, every product with a radio transmitter (aka…almost everything DJI makes) would require special security approval just to enter the country: drones, gimbals, Osmo cameras, the works.

DJI’s global policy head Adam Welsh summed it up nicely:

“We’re not on the Covered List. Yet.”

But here’s the catch: under the FY25 NDAA, a U.S. national security agency must complete a risk assessment of DJI by December 23, 2025. If they don’t start and finish this review in time, DJI gets auto-added to the list by default. No evidence required. No appeal. No “wait, hold up.” Just boom, blacklisted.

And guess what? Not a single U.S. agency has stepped forward to start that review. Not one. The deadline is creeping closer and DJI’s sitting there like, “Uh…hello? Anyone gonna start this thing?”

Welsh again said:

“We’re ready. We’ve been ready for 10 months. Please start the review or at least give us an extension.”

You can practically hear the frustration through the corporate politeness.

DJI once assumed that even if it was blacklisted, older drones that had already been approved like the Air 3S would be safe. But the FCC just tossed that assumption out the window. Their new authority includes retroactive bans. Meaning they can go back and undo old approvals one by one if those devices are tied to a company that later gets flagged.

There are a few guardrails, though. The FCC says it’s not going to swoop into your backyard and snatch your drone out of the sky. Anything you already own is yours to keep. And each ban requires a 30-day public comment period, meaning at least you get to yell about it online first.

Still, it’s a major escalation.

National Security… or National Paranoia?

The U.S. has never publicly shown evidence that DJI drones pose a security threat. Yes, some agencies have accused DJI of ties to the Chinese military, and a judge allowed that label to stand but also said there’s zero proof DJI is controlled by Beijing.

That nuance hasn’t stopped lawmakers from warning about “spies in the sky,” imagining your vacation drone footage somehow ending up on a server in Shenzhen.

To critics, this FCC move is overdue.

To DJI fans, it feels more like politics clipping the wings of tech that was otherwise soaring.

And then there’s the plot twist: DJI has apparently been sneaking into the U.S. market through shell companies. Some “new brands” like Skyrover are suspiciously similar to DJI models. Same product style, same design language, same radio frequencies… just different stickers. Analysts have even cataloged these “DJI front companies” on GitHub.

Well, the FCC just gave itself the ability to shut those side doors fast. If a drone contains any radio tech tied to DJI, regulators can block it.

Unless a government agency jumps into action soon, DJI will have to stop importing any new drones or wireless devices. Expect fewer releases, higher prices, and a whole lot of “out of stock” labels.

Meanwhile in China? DJI’s chilling. They just released two new products, the Osmo Mobile 8 and the Neo 2 drone like nothing’s happening. Whether they’ll ever reach the U.S. is another story.

Somewhat hilariously, drones DJI wasn’t planning to sell in the U.S. are mysteriously showing up on Amazon anyway (hello Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro). So if you’ve had your eye on one, this may be the last call before the regulatory curtain comes down.

What you can still buy (for now):

• DJI Mini 3 – Small, light, and surprisingly powerful. Great 4K HDR video. No FAA registration needed for casual flying.

• DJI Neo – A super compact, beginner-friendly drone built for everyday creators.

• DJI Mini 4K – Budget-friendly with true 4K video and solid low-light performance.

• DJI Mini 5 Pro – A tiny drone with huge capability: advanced sensors, 4K/60fps, long flight times.

• DJI Mavic 4 Pro – DJI’s prosumer flagship. Stunning camera, long transmission range, rock-solid stability.

• DJI Air 3S – Dual cameras, great flight time, advanced collision avoidance.

• DJI Avata 2 – For people who want to feel like they’re actually inside the drone. Thrilling FPV flying.

• DJI Flip – DJI’s quirky fold-flat creator drone for TikTok and IG lovers.

For years, DJI drones have set the standard for aerial photography. But with tightening regulations and looming national-security reviews, that golden era in the U.S. might be coming to an end.

Right now, DJI drones are 100% legal to own, fly, and buy. But if regulators move as expected, this could be the last season you see them on shelves.

Grab one while you still can before the “Add to Cart” button turns into “Unavailable in your region.”