Updated May 2026 — The ban is now in effect. This article reflects the latest status.

Quick Take

As of December 23, 2025, DJI was officially added to the FCC Covered List, which blocks new DJI products from receiving FCC authorization in the US. If you already own a DJI drone, you can still fly it legally — the ban affects new releases, not existing hardware. However, new DJI products are now blocked from normal US retail, and supply of parts and accessories is tightening.

Le DJI ban in the USA landed on December 23, 2025 — and the reaction was immediate panic. The reality is more nuanced, and a lot more important to understand before you make any buying decision. Here’s what actually changed.

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What actually happened on December 23, 2025

The mechanism is specific: the FCC Covered List blocks nouveau equipment authorization. Products that already had FCC approval before that date — like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro or the Mavic 3 line — can still be legally sold by retailers while stock lasts. What can’t happen is a new DJI product launching in the US that would normally require a fresh FCC filing. That pipeline is now closed.

It’s also worth being clear on what the FCC action n'a pas do. It’s not a flight ban. It doesn’t remotely disable existing devices. It doesn’t make your drone illegal. The FAA still governs who can fly and where — and none of that changed on December 23.

What’s changing in 2026 — and why it matters

The real impact is downstream and builds over time. DJI projects around $700 million in revenue losses from the 14 products already blocked from the US market, and another $860 million in projected losses if 25 planned 2026 products can’t launch here. For consumers, that translates into: fewer new product releases, less price competition, and eventually real pressure on parts and accessories.

Dans April 2026, the Pentagon added further weight to the ban — citing classified intelligence in the dispute. That makes a quick resolution less likely than it looked six months ago.

There’s one concrete win worth noting: the FCC extended its software update waiver through January 2029, meaning existing DJI devices can continue receiving firmware updates for at least another three years. And DJI is actively appealing — the FCC accepted public comments on the appeal through May 11, 2026, so the legal process is still moving, even if slowly.

What to actually do if you rely on DJI gear

If your work depends on DJI — real estate, commercial film, inspection, emergency response — the practical advice is simple: audit your kit now. Extra batteries are worth having regardless. Spare props and accessories are worth picking up while official stock is still moving through the channel. A backup body is worth considering if downtime has real cost for you.

If you’re flying a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or one of the action cams, now is a good time to stock up on accessories — including the right SD cards before supply tightens. These are the kinds of consumables that become harder to find first.

For casual users, there’s no urgent action to take. The drones you own work, the app still receives updates, and there are no sudden changes to worry about day-to-day. What’s changed is the longer-term picture — fewer options, tighter supply, and a hardware ecosystem that will gradually stop refreshing.

If you’re weighing whether to pick up the DJI Osmo Action 6 before stock runs out — it was one of the last DJI cameras to clear FCC authorization before the ban — see how it compares to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 (link coming once published) to make sure you’re buying the right one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still fly my DJI drone in the US?

Yes. The FCC ban affects new product authorizations, not existing hardware. If you own a DJI drone — regardless of when you bought it — you can continue flying it under normal FAA rules.

Can I still buy DJI products in the US?

You can still buy DJI products that had FCC authorization before December 23, 2025 — while retail stock lasts. New DJI models that require fresh FCC approval cannot legally enter US retail through normal channels.

Will DJI stop working or be remotely disabled?

No. There’s no mechanism in the ban that disables existing devices. Software updates are protected through at least January 2029 under an FCC-granted waiver.

Is DJI appealing the ban?

Yes. DJI is actively fighting its inclusion on the FCC Covered List. The FCC accepted public comments on the appeal through May 11, 2026. A successful appeal would change things significantly, but the timeline is uncertain — especially with Pentagon involvement adding a national security dimension.

Should I buy DJI gear now before it disappears from shelves?

If you were already planning to buy and the model you want is still in stock, there’s a reasonable argument for moving now rather than waiting. Gray market imports will likely fill the gap eventually — but without warranty coverage or guaranteed software support, that’s a different kind of risk. Check out our roundup of our guide to the best DJI drones for what’s worth grabbing while it lasts.