Drone Maker DJI Sues FCC Over Controversial Drone Import Ban
DJI, the leading consumer drone brand, is taking legal action against the FCC's decision to ban imports of its drones in the US, citing flawed decision-making.
The world's top consumer drone manufacturer, DJI, has filed a petition challenging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s controversial decision to restrict imports of its drones in the United States. The Shenzhen-based company claims the regulatory body acted carelessly and without proper justification in placing DJI on its Covered List, which designates equipment deemed a threat to U.S. national security.
In the petition filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on February 20, 2026, DJI asserts that the FCC's move to ban imports of its drones since December 23, 2025 was unjustified and made without conducting a proper review. The company argues that the FCC's decision-making process was flawed and lacked the required level of due diligence.
DJI, the world's largest civilian drone manufacturer, has been a dominant player in the consumer drone market for years. Its products are renowned for their advanced camera capabilities, intuitive flight control systems, and affordable prices. However, the company has faced increasing scrutiny over security concerns, with the U.S. government raising questions about potential data privacy and national security risks associated with Chinese-made drones.
In its petition, DJI contends that the FCC's decision to place it on the Covered List was arbitrary and capricious, lacking sufficient evidence to support the claim that its drones pose an
Source: Ars Technica
