DJI has filed a petition for review in the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, challenging the Federal Communications Commission's December 2025 expansion of its Covered List to include foreign-produced drones and critical components. The move could reshape US drone sales, supply chains, and market access for global operators, according to DroneLife and Reuters.
A barrier to market entry
The FCC's Covered List expansion, issued under federal secure communications and supply chain authority, bars new equipment authorization for listed products. Without authorization, foreign-made drones and components cannot be imported, marketed, or sold in the US. While the rule does not affect existing authorized fleets, it effectively halts the introduction of new foreign UAS platforms or significant hardware revisions requiring FCC approval. DJI, as the world's largest civilian drone manufacturer and a dominant supplier in the US, is among the companies most affected.
DJI pushes back
In its petition filed February 20, 2026, DJI argues the FCC exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment. The filing asserts that the agency's addition of DJI communications and video surveillance products to the Covered List restricts not only new products but also some existing models, imposing severe commercial harm. DJI requests that the court "hold unlawful, vacate, enjoin, and set aside the Ruling."
DJI said it had made repeated attempts to engage with the FCC but was not allowed to provide information or refute the agency's alleged concerns. The company also highlighted the impact on US customers — including small businesses, public safety agencies, farmers, and content creators — who rely on DJI technology for commercial and safety operations. DJI noted that its products meet security standards and called for an independent, objective review.
Broader implications for the industry
The policy shift signals a move away from targeting individual companies toward a broader focus on supply chain origin and national security. Analysts say the ruling has accelerated discussions about domestic drone manufacturing, supply chain transparency, and procurement diversification. Operators, integrators, and government agencies now face uncertainty in planning future fleets.
The Ninth Circuit's review will be closely watched, as it could define the scope of the FCC's authority in regulating foreign UAS imports and shape the regulatory landscape for one of the world's largest drone markets. The case also reflects broader US-China technology and trade tensions, as well as the challenges global drone manufacturers face in maintaining market access under shifting regulatory conditions.
DJI's legal challenge may set a precedent for how US regulators balance national security concerns with commercial competition, and its outcome could influence strategic decisions by manufacturers and operators across the global drone industry.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
