- A DJI ban in the US could happen next month
- December 23 is a key date for the ban process
- DJI has posted an urgent update on efforts to avoid the ban
If you’ve been keeping tabs on the news around DJI, you’ll know that there have been worries over its products being banned in the US for several years now. Next month, that ban could finally happen – and DJI has now posted an update on the situation.
In a new blog post, DJI has highlighted the crucial deadline of Tuesday, December 23, 2025. That’s the date when DJI will be added to what’s known as the ‘Covered List’ by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Once that happens, DJI says “we would no longer be able to launch new products in the U.S”. This is “expected to impact all DJI products”, DJI says, and not just drones.
The only way DJI can avoid being put on this list is to pass a security audit, but no such audit has happened – and in fact no government agency has even been assigned to handle it. With only a month to go, it’s looking unlikely that it will be carried out.
“DJI has repeatedly and publicly requested for a fair, transparent, and timely audit, but – as far as we can tell – the process has not begun,” explains the blog post. “DJI could face a market ban without any review or due process – not because of any wrongdoing, but because of a legislative gap and continued government inaction.” But what does this all mean for your DJI tech?
What happens to current DJI devices?
If you’re already using DJI drones and cameras in the US, no one is going to come and take them away. However, the ban could eventually lead to DJI being unable to issue software updates for its products in the US, or involve restrictions being placed on the connectivity of those products at some later point.
DJI says that “even if DJI were added to the FCC’s Covered List, you would still be able to use your current DJI equipment”. However, the Chinese company added that “a listing could block future purchases of DJI products – even those already on shelves in the U.S”. Worryingly. that means that “while your current drones would still function, the future availability of products and upgrades could be at risk”, DJI added.
Another unknown is whether or not DJI devices that have already launched in the US will be removed from sale: it’s something that US authorities would have the power to do, but further public consultation would be required. Right now, we just don’t know what will happen with devices that are already being sold.
This is all down to the US government suspecting DJI has links to the Chinese military, something which DJI strenuously denies. The current US administration is currently busy scrutinizing many different types of technology developed outside of its borders – including TikTok of course.
DJI says it will continue to fight a ban in the US, and is pushing for an extension to the December 23 deadline. It’s also encouraging users to get in touch with US lawmakers and make their voices heard, which you can do by following this link.
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