FCC Proposes Ban on DJI Drones Despite Previous Approval
The FCC wants to ban DJI drones it already approved. LiDAR and thermal cameras are now considered “military-grade.”
Proposal Details
The proposal would remove the DJI Air 3S, Avata 360, and Mini 5 Pro from the US market, despite their previous FCC approval. Drones already owned by consumers are unaffected. DJI has termed this a "total reversal" of the FCC’s stance. Comments on the proposal are open until September 2.
Key Changes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to expand its drone ban to encompass:
- LiDAR sensing
- Thermal imaging
- Aerosol-dispersing systems
- Coordinated swarm operations
- Docking stations
- Drones weighing 55 pounds or more
This shift in focus from who manufactures the drones to what capabilities they have could impact any manufacturer, not just Chinese ones.
Impact on Users and Businesses
If adopted as written, the ban would take effect approximately 180 days after publication. While existing owners won’t be affected, manufacturers may face challenges in selling replacement parts or providing software updates. This could disrupt businesses and public agencies that rely on DJI drones for agricultural spraying, search-and-rescue operations, and infrastructure inspections.
Supply Chain Challenges
The US ban on DJI, coupled with China’s dominance in the production of rare earth magnets (90%) and drone batteries (99%), creates supply chain vulnerabilities that the new restrictions do not address.
TNW Takeaway
The evolving nature of the FCC’s drone regulations—from blocking new models to targeting rebranded hardware to specific capabilities—makes it difficult for manufacturers and consumers alike to plan their future in this space.