First Article Written, May, 2025
Update Article: December, 2025
If you’re reading this in 2026, the big update is this: the U.S. FCC moved in late December 2025 to block new approvals for foreign made drones and key components going forward, which effectively shuts the door on new DJI models entering the U.S. market through normal channels.
The practical impact is mostly about future products and imports, not about grounding the DJI drone you already own. FCC Docs+2Reuters+2
The original bill people were watching, “Countering CCP Drones Act”
A lot of “DJI ban” headlines originally pointed to a specific piece of legislation, H.R.2864 (Countering CCP Drones Act). That bill’s core idea is to require DJI to be included on the FCC’s national security “Covered List.” Congress.gov
As of the last official action shown on Congress.gov for that bill, it passed the House and was received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee (latest action shown: September 10, 2024). Congress.gov
The real 2026 reality, the FCC action in December 2025
In December 2025, the FCC (via its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau) announced it was adding foreign made UAS (drones) and critical components to the Covered List on a “going forward” basis, based on an Executive Branch national security determination and authority tied to the FY2025 NDAA (Section 1709). FCC Docs+1
What that means in plain English
- New foreign made drone models (including DJI and Autel) cannot get the FCC equipment authorization needed to be imported and sold in the U.S. Reuters+2FCC Docs+2
- Previously authorized models are not automatically banned. The FCC fact sheet says this action does not affect your ability to keep using drones you already lawfully bought, and it does not prohibit the sale/import/marketing of models that were already approved through the FCC process. FCC Docs+1
- The FCC also describes a path for exemptions if DoD or DHS makes a specific determination that a given drone or class of drones does not pose unacceptable risk. FCC Docs+1
So… is DJI “banned” in 2026?
It depends what you mean by “banned.”
If you mean: “Can I keep flying my current DJI drone?”
Generally, yes. The FCC’s update was designed to avoid disrupting ongoing use of previously authorized drones, and Reuters reported the decision does not prohibit import, sale, or use of existing authorized models, and does not impact previously purchased drones. FCC Docs+1
If you mean: “Can DJI launch brand-new models in the U.S. like before?”
That’s where the pain is. Reuters and AP both describe the move as keeping new DJI drones out of the U.S. market by blocking the approvals needed for new imports and new sales. Reuters+1
What this means for videographers, filmmakers, and production teams
- Plan for “no new DJI releases” through normal U.S. retail channels unless something changes (exemptions, rule adjustments, or future policy shifts). Reuters+1
- Your current DJI fleet is still a viable production tool for 2026 shoots, assuming you’re operating legally under FAA rules and any client or agency restrictions. FCC Docs+1
- Government and government-adjacent work may tighten faster than the consumer market. Reuters has reported scrutiny and restrictions around DJI use in federal contracting contexts due to national security concerns. Reuters
Quick “creator FAQ” you can paste into your article
Will my DJI drone stop working in 2026?
There is no indication in the FCC documents that previously authorized drones are being remotely disabled or forced offline. The focus is on equipment authorization for new models, not turning off existing ones. FCC Docs+1
Can retailers still sell DJI drones?
The FCC fact sheet says the update does not prevent retailers from continuing to sell/import/market device models approved previously through the FCC authorization process. The bigger constraint is on new device models. FCC Docs
Is this only about DJI?
No. The FCC action described in the fact sheet is broader, it addresses foreign made UAS and critical components generally, with specific exemptions possible via DoD/DHS determinations. FCC Docs+1