The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on the import of all new models of foreign-made drones and their critical components, because, according to the agency’s position, «they pose unacceptable risks to US national security.»
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on the import of all new models of foreign-made drones and their critical components, because, according to the agency’s position, «they pose unacceptable risks to US national security.»
Reuters focuses on the consequences of this move primarily for the Chinese companies DJI and Autel.
Drone manufacturers whose new products fall under the import ban will be added to the relevant FCC list.
At the same time, back in December 2024, Congress ordered DJI and Autel to be added to the FCC list within one year if a safety review does not deem it appropriate to continue selling their products.
«The move is a significant escalation in Washington’s crackdown on Chinese-made drones in recent years. In September, the Commerce Department said it planned to issue rules to restrict imports of Chinese drones that could go beyond the Federal Communications Commission’s actions,» the publication reminds.
At the same time, according to representatives of the FCC itself, this step does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing device models previously permitted by the telecommunications regulator, and does not affect any previously purchased drones — we are talking only about new models that have not yet been introduced to the market.
The agency also assures that consumers can continue to use any drones they previously purchased legally.
The world’s largest drone manufacturer, DJI, said it was disappointed with the decision.
DJI previously explained that being listed would effectively prohibit it from offering new drone models in the United States, even though it sells more than half of its commercial drones in the US.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday that China opposes the US’s «overly broad interpretation of the concept of national security» and the creation of «discriminatory» lists. He called on Washington to «correct these practices» and ensure a fair environment for Chinese companies.
At the same time, the documents on this subject state that the Pentagon may review the list in the future and recognize that certain drones or their classes do not pose a risk and exclude them from the restrictions.
dev.ua also wrote that the US may ban TP-Link routers due to national security risks associated with China.
