The short version: a December 2024 defense bill set a one-year deadline for a security review of DJI, and when that ran out the FCC added foreign-made drones, including DJI, to its Covered List on December 22, 2025. New DJI models can't get FCC authorization since then, but drones authorized before that date stay legal, and the FCC now allows updates for them through January 1, 2029. A court challenge, a proposed rule on "military-grade" drones and new tariffs are what to watch next.
Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| June 2024 | The House passed a defense bill version that would have put DJI on the Covered List directly. |
| Dec 23, 2024 | The FY2025 defense bill (NDAA) became law with Section 1709: a national security agency had one year to review DJI and Autel, or they would be added to the FCC Covered List. |
| Dec 21–22, 2025 | An interagency national security determination was delivered. The FCC added all foreign-produced drones and drone critical components, plus DJI and Autel communications and video surveillance equipment, to the Covered List. |
| Jan 7, 2026 | The FCC carved out Blue UAS cleared drones and US-made "domestic end products" until January 1, 2027. |
| Jan 21, 2026 | The FCC waived its rules so previously authorized drones could get software and firmware updates until January 1, 2027. |
| Feb 2026 | DJI petitioned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to set aside the FCC's decision, and asked the FCC to reconsider. |
| May 2026 | The FCC extended the update waiver to January 1, 2029 and widened it to larger (Class II) changes. |
| Jun 15, 2026 | The FCC removed simple toy drones (150 g or less, no camera, no GPS) from the Covered List. |
| Jul 21, 2026 | The FCC asked for comment on stopping further import and sale of previously authorized "military-grade" drones, such as thermal, LiDAR, spray and dock models. Comments closed September 2. |
| Jul 22, 2026 | The FCC adopted tighter equipment authorization rules for Covered List companies, effective October 13, 2026. |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Section 232 tariffs on imported drones began: 25% for most small drones, 100% for thermal drones and drones over 25 kg. |
What it means right now
- Owners: keep flying. No rule takes away drones people already own. See will the ban affect drones you own.
- Buyers: models authorized before December 22, 2025 can still be sold. New releases can't. See which DJI products are affected.
- Updates: allowed through January 1, 2029 for previously authorized drones.
- Prices: higher because of the tariffs, and some models are hard to find.
What to watch next
- The Ninth Circuit case. A ruling could uphold or set aside the December 2025 listing.
- The "military-grade" proposal. If adopted as proposed, sales of new thermal, LiDAR, spray and dock models would stop 180 days after the rule is published. It would not apply to drones already owned.
- January 1, 2027. The Blue UAS and domestic-product exceptions expire unless the FCC extends them.
- February 2027. A delayed set of component tariffs is scheduled to start.
We'll update this page as each step happens. Background on the reasons: why is DJI being banned.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The FCC's Covered List is the official source.
Thinking about buying before things change? Read is DJI banned in the US or browse our drones.
Related guides
- Which DJI products are affected by the ban? (Mini 5 Pro, Neo 2, Osmo 360)
- Will the DJI ban affect drones you already own?
- Can you buy the DJI Mini 5 Pro in the US? Ban status and price
- Can you fly a drone at night? US rules and tips
- Can you fly a drone from a cruise ship?
- Can you fly a drone higher than 400 feet?
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