Key Takeaways
1. DJI has requested a review from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against the FCC’s decision to add it to the Covered List.
2. The FCC’s Covered List identifies communication devices deemed a national security risk, impacting new equipment approvals for DJI products in the US.
3. DJI argues that the FCC overstepped its authority, claiming the decision harms its business by blocking new model approvals.
4. Current DJI products will still function, but future product availability may be limited if DJI remains on the Covered List.
5. The legal challenge by DJI escalates the dispute to federal court, where the court will assess the FCC’s actions and their compliance with relevant laws.
DJI has submitted a request for a review to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, contesting the decision made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add DJI to its Covered List. This action prevents new equipment approvals related to DJI products and parts within the United States.
What is the Covered List?
The FCC’s Covered List is an official registry of communication devices and services that are considered to present “an unacceptable risk” to the national security of the US, as per the Secure Networks Act guidelines.
In December 2025, the FCC revealed its plans to enhance the Covered List by including specific foreign unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and key components moving forward. This means that drones that had already been authorized for use prior would not be affected, but any new authorizations might face barriers.
DJI’s Legal Argument
DJI argues that the FCC has exceeded its authority and contends that the decision to put DJI on the Covered List is damaging its business. The firm claims this decision obstructs the necessary approvals for importing, marketing, and selling new models and components.
The company has also reassured its customers that current DJI products should function as usual, while cautioning that the future availability of new products may be impacted if they remain on the Covered List.
Current Situation and Next Steps
The FCC’s action against foreign-made drones was initiated around late December 2025, when it added foreign drones and components, including those from DJI, to the Covered List, citing concerns over national security. The agency indicated there may be an exceptions process involving defense agencies for approvals.
Various news sources now indicate that DJI’s legal challenge represents an escalation, bringing the dispute into federal court as the company aims to reverse its designation on the Covered List.
This petition sets the stage for litigation, where the court will evaluate if the FCC’s actions regarding the Covered List expansion and its implications for DJI adhered to the relevant laws and procedures. Meanwhile, the FCC’s Covered List framework continues to be in effect, and the restrictions on new authorizations remain a significant challenge for DJI’s product availability in the US market.
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