DJI Sues FCC Over Drone Restrictions
▼ Summary
– DJI is suing the FCC to overturn a ban on importing its new drones, which was enacted on December 23, 2025, due to national security concerns.
– The company argues the FCC exceeded its authority, violated procedures, and breached the Fifth Amendment by placing DJI on its “Covered List.”
– The FCC has granted temporary import exemptions for some foreign-made drones and components from Europe, Japan, and South Korea, but not for any from China.
– The FCC justified the ban by stating drones pose threats from criminals and hostile actors, following a White House-convened national security review.
– DJI claims it was never given a chance to address security concerns and that the ban unlawfully restricts its US business and customer access.
The leading consumer drone manufacturer, DJI, has initiated a legal challenge against the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The lawsuit contests an import ban on new foreign-made drones, a restriction that took effect in late December 2025. This action directly targets the FCC’s decision to place DJI on its Covered List, a designation for equipment considered a national security risk.
On Tuesday, the company filed a formal petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The legal document argues the FCC overstepped its legal authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated constitutional protections under the Fifth Amendment. DJI is asking the court to overturn the ruling and remove its products from the list.
The FCC’s policy, which stems from a review by a White House-convened interagency group, asserts that drones can be exploited by criminals and hostile foreign actors, presenting serious threats to homeland security. While the commission granted temporary exemptions for some drones from Europe and components from Japanese and South Korean firms like Sony and Samsung, it has not exempted any drones or parts manufactured in China.
DJI contends it has been denied a fair opportunity to address the government’s concerns. In statements to major news outlets, the company emphasized that despite multiple requests for audits of its technology, it was never allowed to present information to refute the allegations. The firm argues this lack of due process violates federal law and the Constitution, while also unfairly restricting its U.S. business and limiting consumer access to its latest products.
(Source: Ars Technica)