Are DJI Drones Still Banned in the US? What the FCC’s 2025–2026 Moves Actually Mean (and What Happens Next)

For years, the question “Are DJI drones banned?” has been the aerial equivalent of “Is pineapple allowed on pizza?”—asked constantly, answered emotionally, and usually followed by someone linking to a 47-page government document.

In early 2026, however, the situation is no longer just vibes and rumors. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a decisive move in late 2025 that materially changes what DJI (and several other foreign drone makers) can do in the American market going forward.

This article uses the original Wired report as its foundation and expands on the policy mechanics, the security rationale, the business impact, and the practical takeaways for drone owners, buyers, public safety teams, and anyone whose 2026 plans include “attach camera, go whoosh.” Wired’s piece is credited to Matt Burgess.

TL;DR: Are DJI drones banned in the US in 2026?

Not exactly—but “DJI is banned” is now closer to true than it was in 2024. Here’s the cleanest way to describe the current state of play:

Existing DJI drones remain legal to own and fly in the United States (assuming you follow FAA rules like Remote ID, registration, and airspace restrictions).
The FCC’s December 2025 action primarily affects “new” approvals: it blocks future FCC equipment authorizations for covered drones and critical components made abroad—functionally preventing new models from being legally imported/marketed/sold if they need a new FCC authorization.
There are carve-outs (notably for certain government/security-vetted drones and “domestic end products”), but those exemptions are limited and time-bound (through January 1, 2027 in the FCC notices discussed by legal analyses).

The difference matters: this is less like the government smashing your drone with a tiny gavel, and more like the government saying, “No new toys unless you pass our new rules.”

What happened on December 22–23, 2025: the FCC’s Covered List move

The big turning point came just before the holidays. On December 22, 2025, the FCC issued a Public Notice adding foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and foreign-produced UAS critical components to the FCC’s “Covered List” program—an instrument the US has used in broader supply chain security efforts. Coverage and summaries from outlets like The Verge and The Associated Press captured the practical result: a functional ban on authorization of new foreign drone models and components without national-security clearance. (The Wired story frames it as the FCC barring DJI from importing new drones, while leaving existing drones legal to use and sell.)

On December 23, 2025, multiple reports described the action as an FCC ban on new Chinese-made/foreign-made drones—often with DJI named first because, well, DJI is the elephant in the sky. citeturn1news12turn1news14turn1news15

Why the FCC matters: drones need radio approvals

If you’re wondering why the FCC is even in the drone chat: consumer drones are radio devices. They use frequencies for control links, telemetry, Wi‑Fi, and video transmission. In the US, most RF devices require FCC equipment authorization before they can be imported, marketed, or sold. The Covered List system doesn’t just wag a finger; it blocks new authorizations, which in practice blocks many new product launches. citeturn0search2

That’s why the most accurate phrase is something like: “The FCC’s action restricts future market access.” It’s not an FAA flight ban. It’s a supply chain and authorization gate.

So what does the FCC action actually ban?

Based on summaries of the FCC’s Public Notices by multiple legal and mainstream outlets, the most important practical point is this:

The FCC action is prospective. It does not automatically confiscate drones, invalidate every existing authorization, or suddenly make your DJI Mini illegal to fly. Instead, it prevents new FCC authorizations for covered foreign-made drones and critical components, which makes it difficult or impossible to legally bring new models (or meaningfully modified models) to the US market.

Wilson Sonsini’s analysis puts it plainly: existing authorizations aren’t rescinded by the Public Notice, and previously purchased drones are not directly affected—while warning that even minor modifications could trigger the need for a new or amended authorization. citeturn0search2

Holland & Knight likewise notes that the December 22, 2025 and January 7, 2026 notices do not prohibit import/sale/use of any drone already covered by a prior FCC equipment authorization—while emphasizing that new foreign-made drones and components face a hard wall unless they qualify for exclusions or conditional approvals. citeturn1search2

Is DJI specifically named—or is this broader?

Coverage often headlines “DJI banned,” but legal analyses suggest the FCC’s approach was broad: it covers foreign-made UAS and critical components as a category, even if the political oxygen naturally goes to the most prominent brand.

The effect, though, is similar from a consumer perspective: DJI’s ability to refresh its US lineup becomes constrained. The pipeline matters as much as the product on shelves today.

January 7, 2026: the exemptions (and the fine print)

The story didn’t stop in December. On January 7, 2026, the FCC issued a revised notice that introduced limited, time-bound exclusions, according to legal summaries.

Holland & Knight describes two key categories temporarily removed from the Covered List (until January 1, 2027):

UAS and critical components on the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List (generally tied to rigorous vetting and government procurement needs)
UAS and critical components qualifying as “domestic end products” under Buy American standards (with a component-cost threshold commonly described as 65%)

These exemptions are best read as a pressure-release valve: the government wants to lock down supply chain risk, but it also can’t grind public safety and certain government operations to a halt while domestic manufacturing ramps up. citeturn1search2turn1search3

The Blue UAS list: great for agencies, not much for consumers

Wired notes that drones can avoid the ban via security clearances like inclusion on a Blue UAS-related list, but also points out that this primarily covers government-use devices rather than mainstream consumer drones. citeturn1news12

Digital Camera World makes a similar point from a photographer’s angle: exemptions may keep certain vetted platforms available for government work, but they don’t magically make your next consumer camera drone launch easy. citeturn1news13

What’s still legal in 2026: ownership, resale, and flying your DJI

For individuals and most businesses, the immediate question is: “Do I need to stop using DJI?” In general, reputable reporting and legal summaries agree on the practical takeaway: no, not solely because of the FCC action.

Here’s what “still legal” typically means in practice:

Operating an existing DJI drone is still allowed, assuming you comply with FAA operational rules.
Buying and selling models that already have FCC authorization can still happen. That’s why you may still see DJI drones listed at major retailers even after December 2025. citeturn1news12turn0search2
Repair, firmware updates, and support are not directly regulated by the FCC action—but the broader policy climate can indirectly affect supply, parts, and service availability over time.

Important nuance: the FCC has discussed processes that could restrict previously authorized equipment under certain circumstances, according to legal analysis. That’s not the same as “your drone is banned today,” but it is a reminder that policy can tighten later. citeturn0search3turn0search2

The FAA angle: Remote ID is the rule you’ll actually get fined for

When US drone pilots hear “ban,” many think it’s an FAA enforcement issue. Most of the time, it isn’t. The FAA cares about how you fly, where you fly, and whether your drone is identifiable.

One major compliance milestone that does affect everyday DJI owners is Remote ID.

The FAA ended its discretionary enforcement policy on Remote ID on March 16, 2024, meaning operators of drones required to be registered must comply with Remote ID or risk enforcement actions. citeturn1search0

FAA guidance explains that drones required to be registered (including recreational, business, and public safety use) must comply, and it lays out the main compliance paths: flying a Standard Remote ID drone, attaching a broadcast module, or flying within a FRIA. citeturn1search1

Translation: if you’re worried about what could get you in trouble on a random weekend flight, Remote ID noncompliance is a far more immediate risk than the FCC’s equipment-authorization policy—unless you’re importing a pallet of “totally not DJI” drones through a suspicious port.

Why the US is doing this: national security, big events, and supply chain anxiety

It’s easy to dismiss this as “politics,” but there are concrete drivers behind the push to restrict foreign drone ecosystems.

1) Data and telemetry concerns

Drones collect imagery and metadata; they often sync to apps and cloud services; they can be used near sensitive infrastructure. US officials have repeatedly expressed concern that foreign-made platforms could enable surveillance or data exfiltration—whether through intentional design, compromised updates, or supply chain tampering. The Verge’s coverage of the FCC move explicitly cites these kinds of risks. citeturn1news14

2) Resilience and the “too much DJI” problem

DJI has long dominated the consumer/prosumer market. When a single vendor is the default answer for hobbyists, photographers, construction sites, and even some public safety agencies, policymakers see a strategic dependency risk: if the pipeline breaks—by geopolitics, sanctions, or war—critical capabilities break with it.

AP’s reporting on the FCC action captures the tension between those who see the move as necessary to reduce dependence and those who view it as overly broad. citeturn1news15

3) The looming calendar: 2026 World Cup, America250, 2028 LA Olympics

Legal analysis of the FCC notices mentions mass-gathering events as part of the stated national security framing, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Large events increase the stakes for drone-related disruptions, surveillance, and airspace security. citeturn0search3

What this means for consumers: buying DJI in 2026 (and beyond)

If you’re a consumer or small business, the policy implications show up in less dramatic ways than headlines suggest:

Short term: You can still buy many current DJI models because they already have FCC authorization and are already in distribution channels.
Medium term: Expect fewer (or delayed) new DJI model launches in the US if they require new FCC authorizations, or if even minor revisions trigger a new authorization requirement.
Long term: The real risk is ecosystem drift: parts availability, accessories, warranty coverage, and app/platform support could become more complicated if the vendor’s US strategy changes under regulatory pressure.

Wired suggests that anyone concerned about future availability might feel pressure to buy sooner, while also warning that gray-market imports are risky and not advised. citeturn1news12

That last point deserves emphasis. Gray-market drones can lead to a nasty combo of problems: questionable compliance, uncertain firmware provenance, and the kind of customer support experience best described as “ghosted by a warehouse.”

What it means for photographers and creators: the market gets weird

DJI isn’t just “a drone company.” In practice, it has been the default camera platform in the sky—especially for solo creators and small teams who can’t justify cinema-rig budgets.

Digital Camera World frames the exemptions debate as leaving aerial photographers behind: government and emergency services may get carve-outs, but consumers and creators don’t automatically benefit. citeturn1news13

For the creative market, the likely near-term outcomes are:

Higher prices as supply tightens and competition changes
Longer upgrade cycles because “just wait for the next model” may be less straightforward
More interest in non-DJI ecosystems, though matching DJI’s camera + flight + software integration is not trivial

Public safety and government users: carve-outs, but also paperwork

Public safety agencies have historically used DJI in significant numbers because the products are capable and comparatively cost-effective. The FCC’s approach, combined with Blue UAS-related exemptions, suggests the federal posture is: “Use vetted supply chains or start migrating.”

The reality for agencies: even if exemptions exist, procurement processes, cybersecurity assessments, and lifecycle management become more complicated. Holland & Knight notes that verifying eligibility for exclusions can require detailed review of records and standards. citeturn1search2

Is this really about DJI—or about the next decade of dual-use tech?

Stepping back, the DJI question is a proxy for something bigger: drones are now a dual-use technology at scale. They matter for:

critical infrastructure inspection
emergency response and disaster assessment
precision agriculture
mapping and construction
military and security applications (directly and indirectly)

That dual-use reality is why policymakers treat drones less like consumer gadgets and more like telecom/network equipment—a shift that makes FCC involvement feel less odd than it sounds at first.

Common questions (and clear answers)

Can I fly my DJI drone today?

In general, yes—assuming it was legally obtained and you comply with FAA rules (including Remote ID where required). The FCC action is largely about new authorizations and future imports/sales, not day-to-day flight legality for existing models. citeturn1news12turn0search2

Can stores still sell DJI drones in the US?

Models that already have FCC equipment authorization and are already in the channel can still be sold. That’s why you may still see DJI listings at mainstream retailers even after the December 2025 action. citeturn1news12turn0search2

Does this affect Autel and other brands?

Wired notes that other foreign manufacturers are impacted as well, naming Autel Robotics and HoverAir in the context of the FCC barring certain future imports. The broader FCC approach described in legal summaries is not DJI-only. citeturn1news12turn0search2

Will this turn into a full ban on existing DJI drones?

No mainstream source says that has happened as of January 2026. However, legal analysis notes the FCC has established a process that could restrict previously authorized equipment in certain circumstances. That’s not a prediction—it’s a capability the FCC has discussed. citeturn0search2turn0search3

Practical advice: what to do if you’re buying a drone in 2026

I can’t tell you what to buy (I’m a journalist, not your drone therapist), but I can tell you what to think about.

1) Treat “new model availability” as uncertain

If you buy into DJI now, you’re buying into the current lineup plus whatever support and parts availability persists in the US market. The regulatory environment makes the next-gen roadmap less predictable than it used to be.

2) Don’t ignore the software stack

Drones aren’t just airframes; they’re apps, mapping workflows, post-processing pipelines, and sometimes enterprise fleet-management systems. If you’re a business, factor in switching costs (training, procedures, accessory ecosystems) before you jump brands.

3) Stay Remote ID compliant

If there is one compliance item most likely to matter during routine operations, it’s Remote ID. Know whether your drone is a Standard Remote ID model, whether you need a broadcast module, and whether you’re flying in a FRIA. citeturn1search1turn1search0

What happens next: the January 1, 2027 clock

The most interesting “next date” in this saga is January 1, 2027. Multiple legal summaries describe the Blue UAS and domestic end product exclusions as expiring then, unless extended or replaced by new determinations. citeturn1search2turn1search3

Between now and then, expect the drone market to do what it always does under regulatory stress: adapt, lobby, re-label, redesign supply chains, and produce an endless supply of conference-panel discussions titled “UAS Security: A Framework for Frameworks.”

Sources

Bas Dorland, Technology Journalist & Founder of dorland.org