What is the DJI Ban?
The DJI ban refers to the Federal Communications Commission adding DJI to its Covered List on December 23, 2025, which prevents new DJI products from receiving FCC authorization for sale in the United States. Existing DJI drones remain legal to buy from current inventory and fly under FAA regulations. The ban affects future product releases, not drones already on the market.
The DJI ban has created significant confusion among drone owners and prospective buyers in the United States. Headlines declaring DJI drones "banned" have left many wondering whether their existing equipment is suddenly illegal or whether they can still purchase DJI products.
The reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Understanding what the DJI ban actually prohibits and what it permits helps drone owners make informed decisions about their equipment and operations. This guide explains the current restrictions, clarifies common misconceptions, and outlines what the ban means for recreational and commercial drone operators in 2026.
Table of contents
- Understanding the DJI ban
- What is actually banned
- What is NOT banned
- Can you still buy DJI drones?
- Can you still fly DJI drones?
- Timeline of DJI restrictions
- DJI alternatives to consider
- Frequently asked questions
- Implementation considerations
- In summary
Understanding the DJI ban
The DJI ban stems from the Federal Communications Commission adding DJI to its Covered List on December 23, 2025. This action prevents new DJI products from receiving the FCC equipment authorization required for legal sale in the United States.
The Covered List exists under Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which prohibits federal funds from being used to purchase equipment that poses national security risks. The FCC extended this framework to include foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems, specifically naming DJI along with other manufacturers.
Why DJI was targeted
Government concerns about DJI center on potential data security risks. As a Chinese company, DJI operates under laws that could theoretically require it to share data with the Chinese government. While DJI disputes these characterizations and has implemented data security measures, the federal government determined that risks warranted regulatory action.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 specifically named DJI and directed federal agencies to take action. The FCC's Covered List addition implements these congressional directives.
Scope beyond drones
The DJI ban extends beyond drones to include other DJI products:
- Action cameras (Osmo Action series)
- Handheld gimbals (Osmo Mobile, RS series)
- Wireless microphones (DJI Mic)
- Accessories requiring FCC authorization
Any new product DJI releases after the ban cannot receive FCC certification for US sale.
What is actually banned
Understanding what the DJI ban prohibits helps separate fact from fear. The restrictions target specific activities while leaving others unaffected.
New product authorizations
The FCC will not grant equipment authorization for new DJI products. This means:
- Future DJI drone models cannot be legally sold in the US
- New accessories requiring FCC certification are blocked
- DJI cannot introduce new product lines to the American market
For example, if DJI releases a Mavic 5 Pro or Mini 6, those products would not receive FCC authorization and could not be legally imported or sold in the United States.
Federal procurement
Government agencies cannot purchase DJI equipment using federal funds. This restriction predates the FCC Covered List addition but now has stronger enforcement mechanisms. State and local agencies receiving federal grants face similar restrictions.
What triggered the ban
The federal government cited several concerns:
- Data transmission to servers potentially accessible by foreign governments
- Software update mechanisms that could introduce vulnerabilities
- Critical infrastructure applications where compromised drones pose security risks
- Upcoming events requiring enhanced security (FIFA World Cup 2026, LA Olympics 2028)
What is NOT banned
The DJI ban leaves significant activities unaffected. Most current DJI owners can continue normal operations without legal concerns.
Flying existing DJI drones
If you own a DJI drone, you can continue flying it. The FAA has not issued any restrictions on operating DJI drones. Your Mavic, Mini, Air, or Inspire remains legal for:
- Recreational flying under TRUST certification
- Commercial operations under Part 107
- Professional photography and videography
- Agricultural monitoring
- Construction site documentation
The ban targets sales of new products, not operation of existing equipment.
Buying existing inventory
DJI drones that received FCC authorization before the ban remain legal to sell and purchase. Retailers continue selling:
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro
- DJI Mini 5 Pro
- DJI Air 3S
- DJI Avata 2
- All previously authorized models
You can legally purchase these drones from authorized retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand sellers. The ban prevents new authorizations, not sales of already-authorized products.
Replacement parts and accessories
Parts and accessories for existing drones remain available:
- Batteries and charging equipment
- Propellers and guards
- Controllers and transmission systems
- Cases and carrying solutions
DJI and third-party manufacturers can continue supplying parts for authorized models.
Software and firmware updates
Current DJI users retain access to the DJI Fly app, firmware updates, and cloud services. DJI has stated its commitment to supporting existing customers, though long-term software support remains an open question.
Can you still buy DJI drones?
Yes, you can still buy DJI drones in the United States in 2026. The key distinction is between previously authorized products and future releases.
Where to buy
Multiple retailers maintain DJI inventory:
- Amazon and major online retailers
- Best Buy and electronics stores
- Camera specialty retailers (B&H Photo, Adorama)
- Authorized DJI dealers
- Secondhand marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
Purchasing from reputable sources ensures you receive genuine products with valid warranties.
What you can buy
All DJI models authorized before December 23, 2025 remain available:
| Model | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mavic 4 Pro | Available | Flagship consumer drone |
| Mini 5 Pro | Limited | Check retailer stock |
| Air 3S | Available | Mid-range option |
| Avata 2 | Available | FPV drone |
| Inspire 3 | Available | Professional cinema |
| Matrice series | Available | Enterprise platforms |
For current availability and comparisons, see our best drones 2026 buyer's guide.
What you cannot buy
Future DJI products will not be available in the US market:
- Next-generation consumer drones
- New enterprise platforms
- Updated versions of existing lines
- New product categories DJI develops
This creates a frozen product landscape where US buyers cannot access DJI innovations released after the ban.
Can you still fly DJI drones?
Yes, absolutely. The DJI ban does not affect your right to fly DJI drones you own or purchase from existing inventory.
Recreational flying
Recreational pilots can continue flying DJI drones by following standard FAA regulations:
- Complete the TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
- Follow FAA airspace rules and altitude limits
- Maintain visual line of sight
- Comply with Remote ID requirements
- Avoid restricted areas and temporary flight restrictions
Your DJI drone operates under the same rules as any other drone in US airspace.
Commercial operations
Part 107 certified pilots can continue using DJI equipment for commercial work. The ban does not affect:
- Real estate photography and videography
- Inspection services for roofing, infrastructure, and utilities
- Surveying and mapping operations
- Event coverage and journalism
- Agricultural services
- Public safety operations
Professional operators should maintain compliance documentation and insurance coverage as with any commercial drone operation.
No remote disabling
DJI has not remotely disabled drones in the United States. There is no "kill switch" that would ground your drone. The company has stated its commitment to supporting existing users, and the FCC ban does not require or authorize remote disabling of consumer products.
Timeline of DJI restrictions
Understanding how restrictions evolved provides context for current regulations and potential future changes.
2017: Military concerns emerge
The US Army banned DJI drones citing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The Department of Homeland Security issued internal warnings about potential data transmission to Chinese servers. These early concerns laid groundwork for broader restrictions.
2020: Commerce Department action
DJI was added to the Commerce Department's Entity List, restricting American companies from supplying certain components to DJI without licenses. This affected DJI's supply chain but did not directly impact consumer sales.
2024: Legislative action
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 included specific provisions targeting DJI. Congress directed federal agencies to implement restrictions and authorized the FCC to add DJI to the Covered List.
December 23, 2025: FCC Covered List addition
The FCC officially added DJI (and other foreign UAS manufacturers) to the Covered List, blocking new product authorizations. This represents the most significant restriction to date, effectively closing the US market to new DJI products.
January 2026: Exemption pathways
The FCC announced three pathways for exemptions:
- Blue UAS List: Drones approved by the Department of Defense
- Buy America: Products with 65%+ US-manufactured components
- Case-by-case petitions: For critical infrastructure and public safety applications
These exemptions primarily benefit enterprise and government users rather than consumers.
For detailed coverage of the regulatory landscape, see our drone regulations news update.
DJI alternatives to consider
Pilots seeking non-DJI options have several alternatives, though none match DJI's combination of features, price, and ecosystem maturity.
Autel Robotics
Autel offers competitive drones at similar price points:
- EVO Nano+: Sub-250g with 1/1.28-inch sensor
- EVO Lite+: 1-inch sensor, adjustable aperture, 6K video
- EVO II Pro V3: Professional platform with modular cameras
Autel is also a Chinese company but has not been explicitly named in the same restrictions as DJI. However, the broader foreign UAS provisions may affect Autel products in the future.
Skydio
American-manufactured Skydio drones offer:
- Best-in-class AI obstacle avoidance
- Autonomous tracking and navigation
- Blue UAS and NDAA compliance
- US-based support and manufacturing
Skydio primarily targets enterprise and government markets, with prices starting around $2,200 for capable platforms.
Parrot
French manufacturer Parrot offers the ANAFI USA:
- Assembled in Massachusetts
- Blue UAS approved
- 32x zoom capability
- FLIR thermal option
Parrot targets professional and government users with prices starting around $7,000.
For comprehensive comparisons, see our best drones 2026 guide and our commercial operator perspective on the ban.
Frequently asked questions
Will my DJI drone stop working?
No. Your DJI drone will continue functioning normally. The FCC ban prevents new product authorizations, not operation of existing equipment. DJI has not remotely disabled drones and has stated its commitment to supporting existing customers. You can continue flying, accessing the DJI Fly app, and receiving firmware updates.
Can the government take my DJI drone?
No. There is no seizure or confiscation program targeting consumer DJI drones. The ban affects product sales and federal procurement, not private ownership. Your DJI drone remains your legal property that you can use, sell, or dispose of as you choose.
Should I sell my DJI drone now?
This depends on your circumstances. If you're satisfied with your current DJI equipment and it meets your needs, there's no urgent reason to sell. DJI drones retain good resale value, and the equipment will continue functioning. However, if you're concerned about long-term parts availability or prefer switching to a non-Chinese manufacturer, selling while demand remains strong could make sense. Consider your specific use case before deciding.
Will DJI release products in the US again?
The path forward remains uncertain. DJI could theoretically establish US manufacturing to qualify for exemptions, partner with American companies, or pursue legal challenges to the restrictions. However, no concrete plans have been announced. For the foreseeable future, new DJI products will not be available to US consumers.
Implementation considerations
Drone owners should evaluate their equipment needs and long-term plans in light of the DJI ban. While existing operations continue unaffected, future purchasing decisions require more thought than before.
For pilots heavily invested in the DJI ecosystem, maximizing the lifespan of current equipment becomes important. Proper drone maintenance extends equipment life, while systematic equipment management helps track warranties, flight hours, and replacement schedules.
Commercial operators should document their equipment inventory and develop contingency plans for eventual replacement. The frozen DJI product line means current models won't receive successors, requiring eventual transition to alternatives regardless of regulatory changes.
Pilots considering starting a drone business should factor equipment availability into their planning. While DJI drones remain excellent tools for commercial work, long-term equipment strategy may favor platforms with clearer upgrade paths.
In summary
The DJI ban prevents new DJI products from receiving FCC authorization for US sale, but leaves existing owners largely unaffected. You can continue flying your DJI drone, purchasing from existing inventory, and conducting both recreational and commercial operations under normal FAA rules.
The restrictions stem from national security concerns about Chinese technology companies and foreign-manufactured drones broadly. While DJI disputes the characterization of its products as security risks, federal policy has moved forward with Covered List addition and related restrictions.
Current DJI equipment remains valuable and functional. The ban creates uncertainty about future products and long-term support, but does not require immediate action from existing owners. Pilots should monitor regulatory developments while continuing normal operations with their current equipment.
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