Chinese drone maker DJI said on Tuesday it would firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company and its global users, after U.S. regulators moved to tighten restrictions on foreign-made drones, a step that could further limit DJI’s access to the U.S. market.
The response came after Reuters reported that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Monday it had added DJI, along with all foreign-manufactured drones and related components, to its so-called “Covered List,” a designation reserved for companies deemed to pose “unacceptable risks” to U.S. national security.
Placement on the FCC’s Covered List means that affected companies will no longer be able to obtain regulatory approval to import or sell new drone models in the United States. The list applies to communications equipment and services that the FCC says threaten U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. citizens.
In a statement , DJI said it “regrets the decision by the FCC to add all non-U.S.-manufactured drones to the ‘Covered List’,” arguing that the move restricts freedom of choice for U.S. consumers and commercial users while undermining the principles of open and fair competition.
“As a pioneer and leader in global consumer drones and aerial imaging technology, DJI has long been committed to providing innovative tools and inspiration to creators around the world,” the company said. It added that its products are widely used in key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, surveying and mapping, firefighting and emergency rescue, and natural resource conservation.
“These applications create irreplaceable value in improving productivity, protecting lives and ensuring public safety,” DJI said.
The company also emphasized that the safety and reliability of its products have been validated over many years by the global market and by multiple independent, authoritative third-party institutions. DJI said it would assess “all feasible paths” to respond to the decision and would resolutely protect the lawful rights and interests of both the company and its users worldwide.
Chinese trade experts criticized the U.S. move, saying it reflects an overextension of national security concerns into normal commercial activity.
The essence of the U.S. action is another move that overstretches the concept of national security and politicizes normal trade relations, openly interfering with free trade and distorting market rules,” said Li Yong, an executive council member of the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies.
Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the risks cited by the FCC lack sufficient factual basis and do not align with market realities.
“Chinese enterprises provide products and services in compliance with local laws and regulations,” Zhou said, adding that the designation could have unintended consequences for U.S. users who rely heavily on DJI equipment.
Zhou noted that many public-interest activities in the United States — including forest fire prevention, search and rescue operations, and wildlife protection — depend on DJI drones. Restricting access to new models could significantly impair user experience and operational efficiency in these areas.
Li warned that U.S. consumers could be directly harmed if the restrictions are enforced. “Many U.S. users choose DJI drones because of their high efficiency, cost advantages and adaptability across multiple scenarios,” he said. “If the ban is implemented, they may be forced to switch to alternatives that are less efficient and more expensive, directly sacrificing their own interests.”
Analysts also cautioned that the FCC’s action could have broader implications beyond Chinese companies. Drone manufacturers from other countries may also face difficulties entering the U.S. market, potentially reducing competition.
“By administratively cutting off foreign products from fair competition in the U.S. market, this move may weaken innovation incentives for domestic producers and could even limit the expansion of U.S. drone products overseas,” Zhou said.
“Ultimately, whether from the perspective of users, manufacturers or technological progress, this approach risks harming others without benefiting oneself.”
