Chinese dronemaker DJI sues to challenge US import ban on new models

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) – Chinese dronemaker DJI said on Tuesday it filed suit challenging the Federal Communications Commission decision to bar imports of all of its new models and critical components.

The ban also includes products from Autel, another China-based drone maker.

DJI, the world’s largest dronemaker, said in a statement it had challenged the FCC decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

“It carelessly restricts DJI’s business in the U.S. and summarily denies U.S. customers access to its latest technology,” the Chinese dronemaker said.

The FCC decision in December meant that DJI, Autel and other foreign drone companies will not be able to obtain the necessary FCC approval to sell new models of drones or critical components in the U.S, but it can continue to sell existing versions.

The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In December 2024, Congress ordered DJI and Autel added to the banned list within one year unless a security review deemed it appropriate to continue sales.

The move represented a significant escalation in Washington’s battles to crack down on Chinese-made drones in recent years.

The FCC order in December barred the import of all new models of foreign-made drones and critical components.

DJI is represented by Travis LeBlanc, a former FCC enforcement bureau chief, and former U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar.

In January, the agency said it was exempting imports of some new models of foreign-made drones and critical components from the sweeping import ban adopted in December through the end of 2026. The exemption did not include any Chinese drones.

In September, a judge rejected a bid by DJI to be removed from the U.S. Defense Department’s list of companies allegedly working with Beijing’s military. DJI sells more than half of all U.S. commercial drones.

Chinese manufacturer Hikvision filed suit in December challenging the FCC decision that blocked new approvals for devices with parts from companies on its Covered List and let the agency bar previously approved equipment in some instances.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot)