DJI sues the FCC over its prohibition on importing new foreign-made drones into the US — Chinese firm contests its placement on the regulator's 'covered list'

Source: Tom’s Hardware

Image credit: DJI

Last year, the FCC banned new foreign‑made drones and their parts from being sold in the United States. This included DJI, a Chinese manufacturer that holds a large share of the consumer‑drone market. Under the ban, the firm could still sell existing models, but newer units would be prohibited from receiving regulatory approval. Today, DJI is moving to challenge that decision by suing the FCC.

Legal Challenge

According to Global Times, DJI has filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, suing the FCC after it placed DJI on its “covered list” of companies that pose a threat to national security. Citing “serious procedural flaws and substantial defects” in the watchdog’s decision, the drone maker argues the FCC “never identified any threat associated with DJI or its products.”

Clarification on Import Status

DJI was never banned from importing drones (or its cameras) outright. In fact, the Department of Commerce recently lifted its planned crackdown on Chinese drones, meaning the company can still import them—but the FCC will not issue authorization for their sale. This effectively functions as an import ban because DJI would be unable to register newly launched models for the U.S. market.