The so-called DJI drone ban in the United States started in late December 2025, but it is not what many headlines made it sound like. DJI drones were not banned outright. The new rules mainly affect future imports and approvals. If you already own a DJI drone, you can still use it.

Here is what buyers, hobby users, and commercial operators should know.

Why This Happened

The issue comes from the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2025. The law required a US national security agency to complete a formal security review of DJI by December 23, 2025.

That review did not happen by the deadline. Because of this, the Federal Communications Commission placed DJI equipment on its Covered List. Being on the Covered List does not ban ownership or use. It blocks new FCC equipment approvals, which are required to legally import and sell products in the US. That is what triggered the current restrictions.

Existing DJI Drones Are Not Banned

Many people think all DJI drones have become illegal. That is wrong. Any DJI model that already had FCC approval before December 23, 2025, can still be owned, used, and bought from existing US stock. The rule only affects new approvals, not products that were already certified. If a drone was approved before the deadline, it can still be sold in the US.

New DJI Drones Cannot Get FCC Approval

This is the biggest impact. Because DJI is now on the FCC Covered List, new drone models and radio equipment cannot receive FCC authorization. Without that approval, companies cannot legally import or sell those devices in the United States.

This effectively blocks new DJI drone launches in the US unless the policy changes.

Firmware Updates Are Allowed Until January 1, 2027

There were early fears that existing drones would lose software support. Regulators later added a temporary waiver. The FCC confirmed that DJI drones approved before the cutoff date can continue getting firmware and security updates until January 1, 2027.

This applies to both consumer and enterprise drones. What happens after that depends on future policy decisions.

The Rules Target Imports, Not Flying

These restrictions do not ground drones that are already in use. They focus on certification and supply chains. Current owners can still fly under normal Federal Aviation Administration rules, including recreational use and Part 107 commercial operations.

The policy affects new hardware entering the US, not the legality of flying drones you already own. This matters for businesses like aerial photography, inspections, and public safety teams that rely on DJI gear.

Blue UAS Cleared List Drones Get Temporary Relief

Not every drone maker is treated the same. In January 2026, regulators said drones on the Blue UAS Cleared List are exempt from some restrictions until January 1, 2027.

This program, run by the United States Department of Defense, checks drones for cybersecurity, supply chain security, and hardware compliance with federal standards. DJI is not included, but this gives approved manufacturers a path forward in the US market.

The Bottom Line

This is not a full DJI ban.

It is a regulatory block on future imports and approvals, not on current ownership or use.

For now, DJI users can keep flying as usual. The bigger question is what happens after 2027 and whether DJI will be allowed to launch new products in the US again.

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