The FCC could start banning DJI drones that have previously been approved,
and DJI isn't happy about it

Date:
Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Description:
Drones that have previously been approved for sale in the US might soon be removed from stores.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The FCC wants to take 'military-grade' DJI drones off sale Numerous DJI models would be affected
You can comment on the proposals until September 2 There's been a ban on new DJI drones and cameras in the US since last December , but now the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making moves to retroactively take some models off shelves that were approved before the ban came into effect.

Specifically, the FCC wants to pull "military-grade" drones from stores (via PCMag ), which apparently includes every model with LiDAR obstacle avoidance or thermal cameras. That would affect drones such as the DJI Air 3S, the DJI Avata 360, the DJI Mini 5 Pro, and the DJI Mavic 3T, for example. Drones that weigh over 55 pounds (nearly 25 kilograms) will be included in the
retroactive ban, as well models that use docking stations. The criteria laid out by the FCC is broad enough to cover a substantial number of drones in DJI's current range. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Now, if you've already bought one of these drones in the US, the FCC isn't going to come and take it off you. However, unless the regulator changes course, these models won't be available to buy in the US from September 2.
You can take action The FCC is considering new restrictions that could affect DJI drones already on the U.S. market not just future products.Despite being framed around military-grade drones, the proposal could also capture civilian technologies such as thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking pic.twitter.com/EdS1vziWxz August 7, 2026 DJI has already complained long and hard about the original ban, pointing out that its drones were blacklisted
for security reasons without any actual security audit taking place. It's
also taking a very dim view of the new proposals by the FCC. You may like The FCC is going after companies it suspects are sneaking DJI kit into the US US government will allow DJI drone updates until 2029 ban appeal underway The
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"People could continue using DJI products they already own, but the same models in use today might no longer be available to purchase in the future," says DJI in a blog post . "This is a total reversal from the FCC's previous position, and it is U.S. operators that would bear the cost."

DJI argues that safety agencies, small businesses, and farmers in the US who rely on DJI equipment will be faced with more expensive and difficult
upgrades in the future, and it's asking for the public's support while the
FCC proposal is considered. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from
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You can have your say during the public comment period up until September 2: head to the Drone Advocacy Alliance website to make your feelings known, and to explain to the FCC how you use drones and their capabilities for non-military purposes. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best drone deals DJI Mini 5 Pro 869 View See all prices voucher gift HoverAir X1 Pro 459 View See all prices DJI Mavic 4 Pro 2,459 2,299 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/the-fcc-could-start-banning-dji-drone s-that-have-previously-been-approved-and-dji-isnt-happy-about-it


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