Bah humbug. Just days before Christmas, the U.S. has effectively banned foreign drones, including the most popular drone maker, China-based DJI.
So, what happens next, especially if you already own a DJI drone or have a new one waiting to be unwrapped under the Christmas tree? Here’s what we know.
On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially blacklisted foreign-made drones and components, which include DJI’s drone products. The ban has been looming for a while now, and DJI, which accounts for a whopping 90 percent of the global drone market share, tried to fight it. The drone maker recently agreed to comply with audits in hopes of being removed from the FCC blacklist, but to no avail. DJI drones are now banned with all the others, on the blacklist.
The FCC instituted the ban in the name of national security, claiming foreign drones pose potential threats to the U.S.
“President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance,” Trump’s appointed FCC chair, Brendan Carr, said in a statement.
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What about the DJI drone you already own?
So, where does that leave U.S. consumers who own a DJI drone? These consumers also include many industries that have pushed back on the ban, as drones have become an important tool for everything from law enforcement to agriculture.
According to the FCC, those who already own drones will not be affected by the ban. Consumers in the U.S. can continue to own and operate their DJI drones or any other drones made by companies affected by the blacklist. Additionally, retailers can continue to sell drone models and products from blacklisted companies that have already been approved for sale.
In a statement, Carr said that the ban “does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones, and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk.”
DJI released its own statement on the ban, committing to continue serving the U.S. market under these new regulations while criticizing the process by which they were implemented.
“DJI is disappointed by the Federal Communications Commission’s action today to add foreign‑made drones to the Covered List,” the company said. “While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination.”
“DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties,” DJI continued. “Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market.”
The drone maker also reiterated the FCC’s claim that consumers who already own DJI drones will not be affected by the ban and can continue to operate their drones. DJI also expressed hope that its future products will be cleared by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security for release in the U.S.
