U.S. Government Poised to Restrict DJI Drones: What You Need to Know
Washington, D.C. — August 2025 — A full-fledged ban on DJI drones has not yet been imposed by the U.S. government—but federal actions and looming deadlines suggest it's inching closer to reality.
1. NDAA Deadline Threatens Automatic Ban
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacted on December 23, 2024, requires a national security agency—such as the Department of Homeland Security, Defense, or Office of the Director of National Intelligence—to conduct a security audit of DJI (and Autel) drones within one year. If no decision is made by December 23, 2025, these manufacturers will be automatically added to the FCC’s Covered List, effectively blocking new drone models from obtaining authorization for sale or import in the U.S. Drone Law and Drone Attorney AssistanceTechRadarCommercial UAV News
As of mid-2025, no such review has begun, putting DJI at risk of automatic inclusion—and a de facto ban—by year’s end. TechRadarCommercial UAV News
2. Commerce Department Launches Section 232 Investigation
On July 1, 2025, the U.S. Commerce Department initiated a Section 232 national security investigation into the import of drones and related components, notably targeting DJI and Autel. This probe assesses whether the U.S.’s dependency on foreign drone manufacturers undermines national security, with possible outcomes ranging from tariffs to outright import restrictions. DroneDJ
3. Department of Justice and Federal Agencies Already Restrict DJI Use
Several federal departments have already barred use of DJI drones:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) prohibits purchasing or using drones manufactured or assembled by "covered foreign entities," which includes DJI. ucdrones.github.io
The Department of Defense (DOD) banned use of commercial off-the-shelf drones (like DJI) on military property, with narrow exemptions under rigorous oversight. U.S. Department of Defense
The Department of the Interior (DOI) forbade new procurements of DJI drones, though existing units remain permitted for specific uses such as wildfire response. Wikipedia
4. DJI’s Safety Features Rolling Back Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Early in 2025, DJI announced it would stop enforcing strict geofencing—which automatically prevents drones from flying near airports or sensitive sites—in favor of giving operators dismissible alerts. The company cites the FAA’s Remote ID framework as the ultimate safeguard. Critics, however, warn this shift could increase risk. The VergeWikipedia
5. Public Safety Operations Already Disrupted
Even before any formal ban, the implications are being felt. A July 2025 report shows that forced halts to DJI drone programs have already cost an estimated $200 million in Florida alone, and left as much as 90% of public safety drone fleets in Missouri inactive. Public safety professionals warn that relying on lower-cost, less-capable alternatives risks real-world harm. DroneDJ
What Comes Next?
Bottom Line
No explicit nationwide ban on DJI drones exists yet—but the clock is ticking. The convergence of legislative deadlines, federal restrictions, and a national security investigation suggest a full ban is highly probable later this year, unless Washington takes swift action. Meanwhile, public safety agencies dependent on DJI gear are already feeling the fallout.
Sources :
TechRadar / Commercial UAV News: Status of NDAA's 2025 drone review and automatic Covered List placement if unresolved by December 23, 2025 TechRadarCommercial UAV News
JRUpprecht Law: Detailed breakdown of NDAA Section 1709 and its legal mechanics Drone Law and Drone Attorney Assistance
Commerce Department via DroneDJ: Section 232 national security investigation targeting DJI and Autel imports DroneDJ
UC Drones Knowledge Portal: DOJ prohibition on covered foreign entity drones (DJI) ucdrones.github.io
Department of Defense Statement (2021): Past ban on commercial off-the-shelf drones and oversight exemptions U.S. Department of Defense
Wikipedia / DJI Controversies: Department of the Interior policies on DJI and existing fleet usage Wikipedia
The Verge: DJI's removal of geofencing and operator-centric alert model The Verge
DroneDJ: Financial and operational blowback in FL, MO due to DJI restrictions DroneDJ