United States regulators have barred approvals of new drone models from China's DJI and other foreign manufacturers, escalating Washington's crackdown on drones seen as national security risks.
The Federal Communications Commission said it added DJI, Autel and all foreign-made drones and key components to its "Covered List", preventing them from receiving the FCC authorisation required to sell new models in the United States.
Drones seen as national security risks
Existing, previously approved drones are not affected, and consumers can continue to use devices already purchased. The move follows a White House-led security review that cited risks including unauthorized surveillance, data extraction and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
DJI warned the decision could disrupt law enforcement and emergency response programs, which heavily rely on its technology, while United States officials said the step was aimed at reducing dependence on foreign drones and boosting domestic production.
What the FCC said:
"I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC's Covered List. Following President Trump's leadership, the FCC will work closely with US drone makers to unleash American drone dominance."
"Today's decision does not prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC's equipment authorization process."
"Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the Commission can update the Covered List only at the direction of national security authorities. In other words, the Commission cannot update this list on its own and is required to implement determinations that are made by our national security agency experts."