DJI Sues FCC Over Drone Import Ban

DJI, the world’s leading consumer drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its decision to ban the importation of new, foreign-made drones. The ban, which went into effect on December 23, 2025, has severely impacted DJI’s business in the US.

Background of the Ban

The FCC’s decision to ban the importation of foreign-made drones was made after a review by an Executive Branch interagency body with national security expertise. The review found that drones could be used by criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists to pose new and serious threats to the US homeland.

DJI has been exempted from the ban in the past, but the company’s products were added to the Covered List, which includes communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

DJI’s Lawsuit

DJI’s lawsuit, filed with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, seeks to overturn the FCC’s decision to add the company’s products to the Covered List. DJI argues that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to observe required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment.

The company states that it has been ‘severely harmed’ by the FCC’s ruling and that the decision ‘carelessly restricts DJI’s business in the US and summarily denies US customers access to its latest technology.’

Previous Attempts to Address Concerns

DJI has previously requested that the US government audit its devices to address any concerns. However, the company claims that it has never been given the chance to provide information to address or refute any concerns.

In a statement, DJI said, ‘Despite repeated efforts to engage with the government, DJI has never been given the chance to provide information to address or refute any concerns. These procedural and substantive deficiencies violate the Constitution and federal law.’

Impact on DJI’s Business

The import ban has significantly impacted DJI’s business in the US. The company has not had any significant drone releases since the ban was implemented and is rumored to be launching the Avata 360, a 360-degree drone, in March.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DJI’s lawsuit against the FCC is a significant development in the ongoing saga of the drone import ban. The company’s arguments against the ban are based on the FCC’s alleged exceedance of statutory authority and violation of the Fifth Amendment.

As the lawsuit progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court rules on the matter and what implications this will have for the drone industry as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the FCC’s Covered List?
2. The FCC’s Covered List includes communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.
3. Why was DJI added to the Covered List?
4. DJI was added to the Covered List due to concerns that its drones could be used by criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists to pose new and serious threats to the US homeland.
5. What is DJI’s argument against the FCC’s decision?
6. DJI argues that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to observe required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment.
7. How has the import ban impacted DJI’s business?
8. The import ban has significantly impacted DJI’s business in the US, with the company not having any significant drone releases since the ban was implemented.
9. What is the potential outcome of the lawsuit?
10. The potential outcome of the lawsuit is that the court may rule in favor of DJI, overturning the FCC’s decision to add the company’s products to the Covered List.
11. What are the implications of the lawsuit for the drone industry?
12. The implications of the lawsuit for the drone industry are significant, as it could set a precedent for how the FCC regulates the importation of drones and other communications equipment.