“Will DJI Drones Be Outlawed in America? What the New NDAA Rules Mean”

Why Is DJI Banned in the US? Here’s What You Need to Know

🚫 Is DJI Actually Banned in the US Right Now?

As of August 2025, DJI drones are not officially banned in the United States. Consumers and businesses can still buy and operate existing DJI drones. However, growing restrictions, government scrutiny, and legislation have raised a big question: Why is DJI banned in the US, or at least treated like it is?

Let’s explore the truth behind this issue, and what the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) means for DJI’s future in America.

📜 The NDAA and Section 1709: The Core of the Controversy

The primary reason people ask “why is DJI banned in US” is because of Section 1709 of the 2025 NDAA. This law directs U.S. authorities to conduct a national security review of drone manufacturers based in China, including DJI.

Here’s the issue:

If no federal agency completes this review by December 23, 2025, DJI will be automatically added to the FCC’s “Covered List.”
That move would prohibit the import, sale, and FCC approval of new DJI drones in the U.S. — effectively making them illegal for future purchase and use in many industries.

So while DJI isn’t technically banned now, it could be banned by default due to government inaction.

🛑 So… Why Is DJI “Treated Like” It’s Banned in the US?

Although not formally banned, DJI is facing:

Severe import delays
Limited retail availability (many stores can’t restock DJI models)
Unreleased new products (like the Mavic 4 series, not available officially in the U.S.)
Customs complications tied to other U.S. trade policies and supply chain enforcement

This has made it nearly impossible to buy new DJI drones in the U.S., making many users feel like the ban already exists in practice.

🔍 What’s Behind the U.S. Concerns with DJI?

Several reasons have been cited for targeting DJI:

National Security Risks – Accusations that DJI drones could collect sensitive data and transmit it to the Chinese government.
Military Use Concerns – Fears that DJI drones could be used in surveillance or conflict zones.
Human Rights Allegations – Claims that DJI technologies were used in human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China.
Dependence on Foreign Tech – The U.S. wants to reduce reliance on foreign (especially Chinese) drone technology.

These concerns have led to DJI being blacklisted by several U.S. government agencies and removed from military-approved vendor lists in recent years.

📉 What Happens If DJI Is Officially Banned?

If DJI is placed on the FCC Covered List in December 2025:

New DJI drones won’t be sold, imported, or certified in the U.S.
Current drone users may face limited software support and spare parts access
Public agencies (like police and fire departments) would need to replace DJI fleets
The drone market could face disruption, with limited alternatives ready to match DJI’s price and performance

✅ Can DJI Avoid the Ban?

Yes — but only if a federal agency begins and completes the required audit before December 23, 2025.
So far, no agency has stepped forward to take on the task, and time is running out.

DJI has publicly stated its willingness to cooperate and is urging U.S. regulators to proceed with the review process.

🗣 What Can U.S. Drone Users Do?

Stay informed about NDAA deadlines and agency actions
Consider purchasing DJI drones soon, while they’re still available
Explore backup drone options if you rely on DJI professionally
Join advocacy groups encouraging fair policy and transparency in the audit process