The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved a regulatory change that entails the next step towards a veto to DJI drones in the country. The vote, adopted unanimously (3-0), strengthens the regulator's tools to prevent the entry into the market of radio frequency equipment considered unreliable.
In practice, the move opens the door to future—and potentially retroactive—bans on devices and components included in the agency's so-called "covered" list, with a particular focus on products deemed a unacceptable risk for national security. Although the process is not immediate, it marks a fundamental change in how the U.S. can curb sales and imports.
What exactly has the FCC approved?
The US regulator has closed loopholes in its framework for authorizing and, if necessary, revoking authorizations for equipment that uses radio spectrum. According to the agency's public documents, the goal is to protect networks against hardware that manufacturers considered unreliableEach veto will require a public interest analysis and will specify the affected products.
The procedure includes a comment period of at least 30 days before any final decision. The FCC has indicated that it does not plan to require replacements for devices already in the hands of consumers and that the continued use The use of these devices remains authorized under current regulations, which is relevant for those who already fly a DJI drone.
Why look at DJI
Washington has been pointing to DJI as a potential security problem for years. The concern lies in the collection of images and location data on a large scale and in the possibility of access by foreign actors if misused. Although no conclusive public evidence of espionage has been presented, the perceived risk has grown with the increase in technological tensions between the US and China.
In parallel, various agencies have been restricting the brand's scope of action: in 2017 the Army banned its use; in 2020 the Department of Commerce added DJI to its list of entities; and in subsequent years other institutions reinforced restrictions and banned investmentsFurthermore, legislative initiatives such as a specific law against drones from Chinese manufacturers seek to give the FCC the ability to deny access to frequencies in US territory.
What DJI says and what might happen in December
DJI maintains that the latest rule change does not specifically apply to its products for now and points out that the National Defense Authorization Act sets a deadline in December that could lead to a automatic inclusion The company was included on the list without a thorough examination. The company claims to have requested a formal security and data management audit from several agencies, but the process has not yet begun after months of waiting.
The company, through its global policy officer, has asked the US government to Start the audit or grant an extension. DJI says it is willing to cooperate and demands that any decision be made with due process, fairness, and transparency to avoid a default ban.
If you already have a DJI drone
For current users, there is no immediate change: they can continue flying in accordance with current regulations and the rules of each airspace. However, federal agencies already have restrictions on the purchase and use of this equipment, and if the ban moves forward, the after-sales support, certain repairs or the availability of updates, especially if access to US services is limited.
- Check frequently firmware updates and security notes from the manufacturer.
- Keep the purchase documentation and serial number for possible actions warranty or maintenance.
- Check the rules of your aeronautical authority (EASA/AESA in Europe) and always fly with normative compliance.
- Evaluate contingency plans for critical operations in case of changes that affect compatibility or spare parts.
Possible scenarios before the December deadline
- A security agency completes the audit and issues a favorable opinion: DJI is not on the covered list and is It maintains the sale normally.
- One is granted extension of the deadline while the evaluation continues, with the market in a holding pattern.
- DJI is included on the covered list and the FCC blocks new certifications: they are halted sales and imports of affected models in the US
- The FCC applies additional measures to certain RF modules or clones: the marketing of more products could be restricted, while the domestic use would remain authorized unless a specific decision was made.
Impact in Spain and Europe
In the European Union, there are no regulatory changes resulting from the FCC's decision. Marketing is governed by CE marking and the EASA/AESA framework, so users in Spain can continue to operate as usual. buying and trading Their drones with the usual obligations (classes, marking, and training). However, a US ban could strain supply chains or global services.
In professional sectors (filming, agriculture, security, and emergency services), it is advisable to anticipate alternatives and ensure business continuity plans. data governance And the hosting of information (telemetry, clouds and maps) will be points to monitor, especially in organizations with technological sovereignty requirements.
DJI's market share
DJI has dominated the consumer segment for years and part of the professional market with product lines like the Mavic, Mini, Air, and Avata. In the US, it has achieved a very high estimated market share, supported by systems integration. flight engineering and control software. A potential veto would disrupt the competitive balance and could increase the cost of accessing solutions with equivalent features.
Industrial and public safety operators in the US have already warned of higher costs and reduced availability if the brand is restricted. At the same time, the government is prioritizing national security and strengthening its ability to filter critical equipment, so the outcome of this case will be crucial for manufacturers and users.
The FCC's move doesn't ground DJI drones today, but it does place the company one step closer to significant restrictions in the United States; Europe is watching closely, while DJI seeks an audit to support its claims. fulfillment and the regulator prepares public consultations before any specific veto.
