Is DJI Going to Be Banned in The USA?

Geoffrey M Green
2 days ago
4 min read

DJI - once the go-to brand for drone pilots, drone photographers, surveyors, and inspection professionals across the United States - now faces a real possibility of being banned (or severely restricted) from the U.S. market. What started as national-security concerns and regulatory scrutiny has evolved into a fast-approaching legal deadline that could change the drone landscape entirely. Below is what you need to know in late 2025.

Key Takeaways

DJI is not currently banned in the U.S., but several federal proposals could restrict government agencies from purchasing or using DJI drones.

Potential bans target federal and state procurement, not consumer use, meaning hobbyists and commercial pilots may still be able to buy and fly DJI drones.

National security concerns drive the debate, with lawmakers citing data privacy risks, supply-chain dependence, and foreign-manufactured components.

A ban could reshape the drone industry, accelerating growth for U.S. and allied manufacturers while increasing costs and limiting options for professionals.

What’s Driving the Push Against DJI

In December 2024, Congress passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a critical provision (Section 1709) requiring a designated U.S. national security agency to assess whether drones and other communications/video-equipment from Chinese companies (including DJI) pose an “unacceptable risk.”

If no such security review is completed by December 23, 2025, the law triggers an automatic ban mechanism: DJI would be added to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “Covered List,” meaning new DJI products (and potentially even products currently in distribution) would be prohibited from being imported or sold in the U.S.

The logic behind the legislation is grounded in national-security concerns: U.S. officials argue that Chinese-made drones - especially those with communication and video capabilities - may pose security risks, given potential data access or control under Chinese law.

Current Status - As of November-December 2025

As of now, no U.S. national-security agency has stepped forward to conduct the mandated security audit.

According to DJI’s own statements, the company has repeatedly requested the review, stressing readiness for a transparent audit - but the government has not responded.

DJI warns that an automatic ban would “not be because of any wrongdoing,” but simply due to bureaucratic inaction and a technicality - the fact that the law required a review but did not assign responsibility for performing it.

Bottom line for now: DJI drones remain legal to buy and operate in the U.S. - but the status is precarious. If the audit doesn’t happen, the market ban could go into effect automatically at the end of 2025.

What a U.S. DJI Ban Would Mean

No new DJI product imports or sales in the U.S. New drones, cameras, or accessories requiring FCC certification would no longer be authorized.

Existing drones may still function - for now. DJI and independent analysts suggest that drones people already own would likely remain usable.

Support, firmware updates, and parts could become scarce. Even if the hardware keeps working, lack of official support or inability to import replacement parts may pose long-term problems.

Big disruption for businesses and industries reliant on DJI. Commercial drone operators, first-responder agencies, real estate, inspections, surveying, and even film/TV crews may face supply chain issues or have to scramble for alternative drone platforms.

Why It’s Not Guaranteed - Yet

The ban mechanism depends on a missed audit deadline. In other words, DJI’s fate hinges more on bureaucratic inaction than on a definitive finding that DJI poses a threat. That leaves room for political or administrative decisions to avert the ban (e.g., an agency could still take up the audit at the last minute).

Even if DJI is added to the “Covered List,” it's unclear whether the ban will be instantly enforced or if there will be a grace period for existing users. Some reporting suggests existing drones may remain operational.

The debate is ongoing - part of a broader push by U.S. policymakers to promote domestic drone manufacturing. Recent policy moves and executive orders emphasize sourcing drones from U.S.-based manufacturers for government and federally funded programs.

What Drone Users & Businesses Should Do Now

Consider diversifying hardware. If you rely on DJI drones commercially (for surveying,

inspections, cleaning, filmmaking, etc.), it’s wise to start evaluating alternative drone manufacturers - especially those that are U.S.-based, or from countries not under such scrutiny.

Stay informed on legal developments. The situation could change up to the December 23, 2025 deadline. Watch for announcements from the FCC, Congress, or relevant security agencies.

Stock up on spare parts/licenses if needed. If you own DJI gear, getting spare batteries, propellers, or even backup drones before any ban goes into effect could help avoid future operational disruptions.

Plan for transition in contracts and services. If you offer drone services commercially (e.g., surveying, inspections, drone cleaning, film), consider communicating with clients about potential risks and building contingency plans.

The Clock Is Ticking

As of late 2025, DJI has not been officially banned - but it is teetering on the brink. The absence of a mandated security audit by December 23 could automatically trigger a ban on future imports and sales, dramatically reshaping the U.S. drone ecosystem. For professionals, hobbyists, and companies that built services around DJI’s dominance, the next few weeks may be pivotal.

Whether DJI remains a staple - or becomes a rare legacy choice - depends less on technical performance than on regulatory timing and political will.