FCC Regulations

Modified

November 12, 2026

FCC Drone Regulations

In an unprecedented move, on December 22, 2025, the FCC declared that UAS and UAS critical component parts that are produced in foreign countries pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons, and should be included on the FCC’s Covered List.

  • FCC Press Release and Fact Sheet here
  • The updated FCC Covered List can be found here
ImportantRestrictions on foreign-made drones

New foreign-made drones are prohibited from receiving FCC authorization and are therefore prohibited from being imported for use or sale in the U.S. This update to the Covered List does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing device models the FCC previously authorized.

This FCC action goes above and beyond the initial Section 1709 review that previously only targeted DJI and Autel. The final rule covers all foreign drones and components - not just those made in China, but all foreign countries including Canada, Switzerland, UK, and Germany. In addition, the updated definition for critical components now includes batteries and motors, in addition to the usual autopilots, controllers, and cameras.

In the months following, the FCC continued to make significant changes and announcements. We have moved this information and the relevant definitions to this new page to help people keep track.

Note

The FCC has opened a handful of opportunities for the public to comment on their proposals. To date, the FCC’s response to the public on this matter and others have been to state “We disagree with the commenters.”

FCC Exemptions

The current list of FCC exemptions (Aug 18, 2026)

  1. UAS and UAS components on the DoD Blue List are allowed to receive updates and introduce new components for FCC authorization until January 1, 2028
  2. UAS and UAS components that qualify as `domestic end products’ under the Buy American Standard will continue to be eligible for FCC authorizations until January 1, 2028.
  3. Specific devices that have been granted a Conditional Approval by DoD or DHS
  4. Foreign-produces ‘toy drones’ and ‘toy drones’ that contain foreign-produced components

Full list of Conditional Approvals

Update - Jan 21, 2026

The FCC has issued a waiver of prohibitions on certain Class 1 permissive changes to covered UAS and UAS critical components until January 1, 2027. This means that drones with already existing FCC approval may continue to receive certain software and firmware updates at least until then. The FCC remarks that they would re-evaluate prior to Jan 1, 2027 on whether to extend the waiver further.

So for now, foreign-made drones can continue to issue updates, but may not at some point in the future.

Proposed Actions

DJI Petition For Reconsideration of Action in Proceeding - Jan 29, 2026 - Docket/RM 26-22

DJI has taken a number of actions to respond and get unbanned. You can follow along their progress in this formal docket. Link

FCC Docket to revoke FCC authorization from foreign ‘Military’ Drones - July 21, 2026 - Docket/RM 26-189

The FCC recently announced that they were proposing to remove FCC authorization to sell or market what they deem to be ‘military’ drones. Military drones in their definition includes drones over 55 lbs, drones with a LIDAR unit, and drones with a thermal imager. While certain DJI drones have been grandfathered in with existing FCC authorizations, this would remove them from being able to be sold in the US. The proposal would not ban their use - yet.

As an example, the DJI Matrice 4E received its FCC authorization before the ban, but if this new proposal is enacted, the FCC would remove its authorization to be sold in the US.

Comments to the FCC are due Sept 2, 2026

List of FCC Announcements

DA Date Subject
DA-25-1086 Dec 22, 2025 Adds UAS/Components to Covered List
DA-26-22 Jan 7, 2026 Exempts Blue UAS
DA-26-253 Mar 17, 2026 First Conditional Approvals
DA-26-351 Apr 14, 2026 sees.AI Conditional Approval
DA-26-437 May 6, 2026 Air6 System Conditional Approval
DA-26-489 May 15, 2026 Elevon Aerial AG Conditional Approval
DA-26-548 Jun 4, 2026 VEX AIR Conditional Approval
DA-26-585 Jun 12, 2026 L50 Conditional Approval
DA-26-588 Jun 15, 2026 Exempts ‘Toy Drones’
DA-26-616 Jun 22, 2026 HERA Tactical, Ceres Air Conditional Approval
DA-26-655 Jul 2, 2026 Exemptions for C-UAS
DA-26-742 Jul 17, 2026 Ban on Skyrover
DA-26-758 Jul 21, 2026 Proposal to ban ‘military’ drones
DA-26-761 Jul 21, 2026 Extends Conditional Approvals
DA-26-786 Jul 28, 2026 FCC bans Foreign Power Inverters and Robots
DA-26-832 Aug 10, 2026 Proposal to ban Anzu
DA-26-839 Aug 11, 2026 Revokes Odysey Robot