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U.S. lawmakers are moving to restrict DJI drones over concerns that the Chinese-made aircraft could threaten national security. The Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R.2864), introduced by Representatives Elise Stefanik and James Gallagher, would add DJI to the FCC’s Covered List, blocking its products from operating on U.S. communication frequencies. The bill passed the House in June and is now in the Senate, where Senator Jon Tester has proposed expanding the review to include other Chinese drone makers.
If enacted, the measure would have sweeping effects. DJI controls about 76% of the global drone market, and its products are widely used in agriculture, firefighting, filmmaking, and search and rescue. Critics warn that banning DJI could harm industries that depend on its technology and slow innovation in key sectors. The proposal also fits into a broader U.S. effort to reduce Chinese influence in tech, following similar moves against Huawei and TikTok.
The U.S. hasn’t banned DJI yet, but that could change by the end of the year. Under the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a formal security review must be completed by December 23, 2025. If no federal agency performs the audit, DJI will automatically be added to the Covered List, effectively banning imports, sales, and registration of new drones. So far, no agency has stepped forward, and DJI says it welcomes the audit, insisting it has “nothing to hide.”
Even without a formal ban, DJI drones are already becoming scarce. Customs delays, trade restrictions, and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act have disrupted supply, while the FCC has paused new equipment authorizations. Popular models like the Mavic 4 Pro never officially reached U.S. shelves, and new import rules being drafted by the Commerce Department could further tighten access.
Lawmakers claim DJI’s drones could be used for surveillance or data collection, though no public evidence has shown this. A 2021 Pentagon audit and other independent reviews found no security breaches. DJI’s 2025 Security White Paper outlines privacy protections including encrypted communication and local data storage.
For now, DJI drones remain legal to own and operate, but users are advised to update firmware, back up data, and stock up on spare parts in case restrictions take effect. Several states, including Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, have already banned DJI drones for government use, with others considering similar action. If no agency completes the audit by December 23, DJI will automatically face a U.S. ban. Until then, its drones are still flying but their future remains uncertain.
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