ClassifiedDecember 13, 2025
As December 23, 2025 approaches, many DJI owners are asking the same questions: Is DJI getting banned in the USA? Will my drone still fly? Should I buy parts now? The situation is real, but the details matter.
The key point is that the potential “ban” being discussed is not primarily about confiscating drones or instantly grounding current pilots. It is centered on whether DJI (and also Autel Robotics) could be added to the FCC’s Covered List under a process created by Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) if a required security review is not completed by the deadline.
If that happens, the most immediate effects would likely hit new product approvals, new imports, and new sales channels—with secondary impacts possible for repairs and support.
In practical terms, the looming action is tied to the FCC’s Covered List, which is used for communications and video-surveillance equipment deemed a national security risk.
The NDAA provision at issue requires a U.S. national security agency to conduct a review of DJI (and Autel). If the review is not completed by December 23, 2025, DJI could be automatically placed on the FCC Covered List.
If DJI is placed on the Covered List, DJI says it would no longer be able to launch new products in the U.S., and broader reporting notes this is because FCC processes can prevent new equipment authorizations needed for radio-enabled devices.
Multiple industry sources describe the Covered List outcome as effectively blocking new DJI equipment from being imported or sold through normal channels over time, especially for newly introduced models.
The most credible guidance available publicly—including DJI’s own U.S. update—indicates that existing DJI equipment would still be usable, even if DJI were added to the Covered List.
However, “usable” is not the same as “no disruption.” The bigger risk for current owners is not sudden deactivation, but potential friction around availability, service logistics, and long-term lifecycle support.
Here the signal is mixed:
Separately, DJI has attributed some U.S. stock issues to customs delays tied to labor-related concerns, rather than this Covered List mechanism itself.
Some reporting notes that even if DJI is placed on the Covered List, any move to revoke existing approvals would not be instantaneous—it would typically involve a formal process, and it would not equate to an overnight “brick.”
That said, this is the least settled area, and it is where uncertainty is highest heading into the deadline.
If you fly recreationally:
If you fly professionally (Part 107) or rely on DJI for paid work:
For everyone:
As of the most recent reporting available, DJI is not described as “fully banned,” but a major deadline on December 23, 2025 could trigger placement on the FCC Covered List if a mandated review is not completed.
If a required NDAA security review is not completed by then, DJI could be automatically added to the FCC Covered List, which can restrict the ability to launch or authorize new products in the U.S.
Public statements indicate existing DJI equipment would still be usable even if DJI is listed, though longer-term support and availability may be affected.
