DJI Added to FCC Covered List: Are Your Drones Still Legal?

Drone News

by Nino LeitnerDecember 24^th, 2025

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The day many filmmakers feared has arrived. The FCC has officially added DJI and other foreign-made drones to its “Covered List,” effectively banning the authorization of new models in the United States. While existing fleets remain legal to fly for now, the future of the drone industry in the US has just shifted dramatically. Here is what you need to know.

For months, we have reported on the looming possibility of a nationwide ban on Chinese-manufactured drones. With the passing of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a series of Executive Orders in June 2025, the writing was on the wall.

Late yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made it official. In a press release issued December 22, the FCC announced that “unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components” produced in foreign countries have been added to its “Covered List.”

This move, effective immediately, blocks new device authorizations, meaning future DJI drones (and likely other foreign brands) cannot be legally imported or sold in the US.

The FCC Ruling: What Happened?

The FCC’s decision follows a “National Security Determination” by an interagency body convened by the White House. The determination concludes that foreign-made drones pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States.”

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a long-time vocal critic of DJI, stated:

“I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination… Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”

Technically, this is not a “ban” on ownership, but a ban on FCC authorization. Since every drone needs an FCC ID to transmit wireless signals legally in the US, denying this authorization effectively stops any new model from entering the market.

Scope: “Foreign-Made” vs. Just “China”

While DJI is the clear target – holding roughly 70% of the global market – the language in the FCC’s fact sheet is surprisingly broad. It refers to “foreign-made UAS” and “UAS critical components produced in foreign countries.”

This vague wording raises massive questions for the industry. Does this apply to European or Japanese drones that utilize Chinese-made flight controllers or motors? The FCC notes that exceptions can be granted by the Department of Defense or Homeland Security, but the default status for foreign drones is now the “Covered List.”

The Good News: Your Existing Drone is Safe (For Now)

Crucially for filmmakers and production houses, the FCC explicitly stated that this ruling does not apply retroactively.

• Existing Fleets: If you already own a DJI Mavic 3, Mavic 4 Pro, or Inspire 3, you can continue to use it legally.
• Retail Stock: Retailers can continue to sell existing models that have already received FCC authorization.

However, once a new model is announced—say, a theoretical “Mavic 5” or “Mini 6″—it will be blocked from receiving FCC approval and cannot be sold in the US.

DJI’s Response: “Protectionism”

DJI has issued a statement expressing deep disappointment, arguing that the decision was made without the security audit mandated by Congress in the NDAA.

“Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market,” a DJI spokesperson told the press.

DJI also confirmed that they will attempt to work with the Department of Defense to gain an exemption, though industry analysts are skeptical of their chances given the current political climate.

CineD’s Take: A Major Blow to Filmmakers

At CineD, we have always focused on the tools that help creatives tell stories. The reality is that DJI has no equal in the affordable, high-quality cinema drone space.

While U.S. manufacturers like Skydio have pivoted entirely to enterprise and military sectors, and Sony’s Airpeak remains a niche, high-end platform, DJI democratized aerial cinematography. The Mavic and Mini series are staples in almost every independent filmmaker’s gear bag.

If this ban holds, American filmmakers will face a stagnating market. We will be forced to rely on aging airframes while the rest of the world moves on to newer, better sensors and flight technology. Furthermore, the ban on “critical components” could make repairing existing fleets increasingly difficult if replacement parts like motors or gimbal cameras are seized at customs.

The stock price of American drone maker Unusual Machines soared following the news, but for now, no domestic manufacturer offers a product that competes with DJI on price-to-performance for cinematic video.

Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:

• Don’t Panic Sell: Your current DJI drones are still legal to fly.
• Availability: If you were planning to buy a drone soon, do it now. Retailers may see a run on existing stock.
• Future Tech: Do not expect to see new DJI models (like the rumored successors to the Mavic 3 Classic) in the US anytime soon.

We will continue to monitor this developing story, particularly how the “critical components” ban affects repairs and batteries for existing drones.

Are you affected by the DJI ban? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.