FCC Proposes Ban on Rebranded DJI Products Over National Security Concerns
The FCC has initiated a proposal to prohibit the importation and marketing of products from several companies suspected of selling rebranded DJI equipment. This move marks a potential first use of the agency's authority to retroactively ban devices deemed a national security risk.
The Federal Communications Commission has announced a proposal to block the importation and marketing of products from nine companies suspected of selling re-shelled versions of DJI drones and cameras. The entities named in the proposal include Cogito, Fikaxo, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, WaveGo, Xtra, and XAG. According to the FCC's assessment, these products pose an unacceptable risk to United States national security.
This regulatory action follows the commission's decision in December 2025 to add foreign-made drones and related components to its Covered List, a designation that prohibits the sale and importation of equipment deemed a threat to national security. While initial restrictions focused on new models, the current proposal targets specific previously authorized equipment that the agency believes are rebranded DJI products. This development represents a significant escalation, as it may be the first time the commission exercises the power granted in October 2025 to retroactively ban devices from companies appearing on the Covered List.
DJI has maintained its position regarding these ongoing regulatory pressures. In a statement provided to Engadget, the company expressed disappointment with the agency's decision, asserting that concerns regarding its data security lack empirical evidence. DJI characterized the move as a form of protectionism that contradicts the principles of an open market.
The FCC is currently seeking public comment on the matter, specifically requesting evidence to support its conclusion that the identified companies are indeed distributing re-shelled DJI hardware. The public comment period will remain open for 30 days. As the commission moves to tighten its oversight of the drone market, the outcome of this proposal will likely set a precedent for how the agency handles third-party distributors and the retroactive regulation of consumer technology hardware in the interest of national security.