USA: FCC effectively prohibits import of some new foreign drones

The US telecommunications licensing authority, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has placed various drones and drone parts from foreign drone manufacturers such as DJI and Autel on the "Covered List," a blacklist of communication products and services that pose an unacceptable risk to US security. They may no longer be operated in the USA and therefore can no longer be imported. The FCC announced this on Monday (PDF). The decision is based on an assessment by an interagency panel convened by the US government, which had previously examined and evaluated the national security risks posed by drones produced abroad.

Threat to national security

Specifically, the FFC's decision is based on the finding that specific, foreign-made drones and drone components pose "unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and the safety of US citizens." In its announcement, the FCC states that hostile foreign actors and terrorists could use the aircraft to "pose new and serious threats to our homeland." This also includes the possibility that foreign-made drones could be used for "attacks and disruptions, unauthorized surveillance, exfiltration of sensitive data, and other UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) threats to the homeland." In this context, the FCC mentions various major events planned in the USA, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the America250 celebrations, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

In addition, US security authorities fear that a dependence on foreign-made drones could weaken the US industrial base in the drone sector.

Exceptions, which drones, drone classes, or drone components are still permitted, can be communicated to the FCC by the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security. The FCC itself cannot update the "Covered List" independently but is bound by decisions from expert panels of national security authorities.

Existing stock protection

The FCC emphasizes that the current conditions apply only to new drones and their components. Drone products previously approved under the FCC equipment authorization are not affected. They can continue to be operated and imported, marketed, and sold in the USA by dealers.

The FCC is an authority responsible for the approval of new communication devices. This also includes devices that are controlled wirelessly, such as drones. Devices that are not approved by the FCC may not be imported, sold, or used in the USA.

(olb)