Can You Still Use Your DJI or Autel Drone in 2026?

There’s been a lot of online noise suggesting that Chinese-made drones are now completely banned and grounded in the United States. In reality, the regulatory landscape is much more specific and nuanced.

What the FCC Actually Did

On December 22, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice adding foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and their critical components, to the agency’s Covered List based on a national security determination. This action applies to drones and components manufactured outside the United States and is meant to address perceived national security risks.

The FCC did not define or publicly detail specific technical or operational risks, instead relying on a broader national security determination.

The FCC explicitly stated: “Today’s decision does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired. Nor does today’s decision prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process.”

Simply put:

• The rule does not impose an outright ban on all Chinese-made drones.
• The FCC prohibits new foreign-made UAS and UAS components from receiving new FCC equipment authorizations, which are required to legally import, market, and sell most RF-emitting devices in the United States.
• This restriction applies only to new device models or components that have not already been authorized.

What Still Remains Legal

Contrary to some alarmist headlines, the FCC’s action does not retroactively force existing drones out of the sky.

You can continue to use drones you already own. The FCC’s fact sheet explicitly states that this decision does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired.

Retailers may still sell or import models approved before the Covered List update. Existing FCC-authorized models can still be legally marketed and sold.

In Short:

If you were flying DJI or Autel drones before December 22, 2025, nothing about the FCC’s Covered List action prevents you from continuing to operate them. That includes both recreational flying and commercial use under FAA Part 107 rules.

So What Does “No New FCC Authorization” Really Mean?

Future hardware, new releases, and next-generation drones from foreign producers won’t be entering the U.S. market unless the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security specifically determines they pose no national security risk.

Other Considerations:

• Federal funding restrictions are not new. Prior to December 22, 2025, Chinese-made drones were already ineligible for purchase using federal funds. This policy remains unchanged.
• Federal job sites often prohibit foreign-made drones. These restrictions were already in place before the FCC action and are not the result of this decision.

Organizations and customers may still choose to implement internal or contractual policies that go beyond FCC rules, so operators should remain aware of project-specific requirements.