Is DJI Banned in the US?

As of December 3rd, the question of whether DJI will be banned in the United States has been a topic of much attention, concern, and speculation. So, is there currently a ban on DJI products in the US? The answer is: No, there is no clear ban specifically targeting DJI products as of now. Does this mean that DJI can continue to sell products in the US?

To be precise, until December 23, 2025, you can still purchase DJI products normally. After that, DJI will be automatically added to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “Regulated List”. (Read DJI’s call for the audit here). This action will effectively prohibit the new DJI products from entering the US market. DJI had already written to multiple US security agencies in March 2025, urging them to start the legally required safety reviews, but the fact is that no agency was willing to take on the responsibility of reviewing their products—this is not DJI’s fault.

During this year’s Black Friday, DJI products were still available for sale on Amazon, but will this be the last time DJI products are available on Black Friday? It depends on the outcome of the audit on the 23rd.

DJI Ban News & Developments

FCC Expands Ban Authority（Simple Explanation）

FCC Expanded Ban Powers in November 2025
In November 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to expand its authority, allowing it to ban products from regulated companies, including DJI. The new rules enable the FCC to impose retroactive bans on previously approved devices, prevent DJI from selling through shell companies, and strengthen enforcement across the entire supply chain. If DJI does not undergo review by the end of December, it could be added to the FCC's regulated list, facing additional restrictions.

NDAA Review Trigger: Where Things Stand（Simple Explanation）

Under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in late 2024, a U.S. national security agency must review DJI by December 23, 2025. If no agency conducts the review, DJI will be automatically added to the FCC Covered List, effectively banning new DJI drones from being imported or sold in the U.S. As of July 2025, no audit has been scheduled, and if the deadline passes without a review, the ban will be triggered by default.

DJI Drone Shortage Temporarily Alleviated（Simple Explanation）

While there is no official ban, DJI drones have been scarce in the U.S. due to customs delays and import restrictions tied to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Recently, some models like the Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro have been restocked on Amazon, easing the shortage. However, availability remains uncertain due to ongoing regulatory issues, and buyers should be cautious as stock may fluctuate based on developments.

What Does the DJI Ban Mean for Consumers? 

If DJI is officially added to the regulated list, new DJI products will no longer be available in the U.S. While users can continue to use their existing DJI products, they won’t be able to purchase any new ones, and they may even have difficulty finding DJI products already on the market. This ban could potentially affect all DJI products, not just drones. Although the ban has not been officially implemented, the risk is real. DJI Care is already unavailable in the U.S.

What Can I Do to Stop the DJI Drone Ban?

If you oppose the U.S. ban on the sale of new DJI drones, make sure your representatives know your thoughts. The Drone Advocacy Alliance provides an email template that you can use to contact your senator, or you can directly call or email your senators. These are actionable steps that can be taken now.

What Should DJI Owners Do Now?

As the deadline of December 23, 2025, approaches, DJI may face an automatic ban. If you already own a DJI drone, it’s wise to secure your equipment and be prepared for possible regulatory changes.

What Early 2026 Could Bring if the DJI Ban Is Enforced

Existing drones will continue to fly, but new DJI products will not be released or imported into the U.S.

• Official Support Will End: Firmware updates, repairs, and warranty services will no longer be available. Currently, some users have reported that DJI Care is not usable in their areas.
• Mimo Will Be Taken Down: Mimo may be removed from Google Play, but the good news is you can still download it from the DJI website.
• Secondhand Market Complications: Due to DJI’s strict policy, transferring and selling secondhand products will require extra caution. It’s recommended to choose authoritative or certified websites.

How to Prepare for a Potential Ban

• Update Firmware: Ensure your drone and remote control are running the latest app version before the deadline, as future updates may not be available.
• Buy Spare Parts: While parts are still available, buy any parts you may need, such as propellers and batteries.
• Backup Data: Download and securely store all flight logs, photos, and videos you want to keep, as cloud services or app access may be impacted.

Should I Buy a DJI Drone Right Now? 

Currently, it is difficult to purchase new DJI drones in the U.S. If you want to buy a DJI drone, your best option is to purchase pre-owned or refurbished models from reputable sellers. Below are reliable sites to buy secondhand or refurbished DJI products in the U.S.:

• DJI Refurbished: Official refurbished units are the highest quality and most reliable. Due to the U.S. ban (NDAA / FCC) and related factors, most models are out of stock or discontinued.
• Amazon: Amazon’s "Certified Refurbished" platform offers various refurbished DJI products. These products come from third parties, not DJI directly. They are professionally tested and come with a limited warranty. You can check the seller's ratings and reviews to ensure reliability.
• B&H: B&H is a well-known retailer that sells thoroughly tested refurbished DJI products. These often come with a longer warranty and return policies, making them highly trusted by consumers.
• Best Buy: Best Buy offers refurbished and open-box DJI products at discounted prices. They typically provide quality guarantees and return policies, making them a good choice for price-sensitive consumers who still want assurance.
• eBay: On eBay, you can find refurbished DJI products from reputable sellers. The Certified Refurbishedprogram offers rigorously tested equipment with warranty protection. Be sure to check the seller's reviews before making a purchase.
• DroneTechClub: This site only offers secondhand products, not refurbished ones. DroneTechClub prices products based on their condition and allows you to activate the drone using your own DJI account. They offer warranties and return services.
• Adorama: Adorama offers certified refurbished DJI drones, with each device being thoroughly tested. They provide warranties and return services, making them another trusted retailer for photography and drone enthusiasts.
• Drone Nerds: Drone Nerds is one of the few DJI authorized service centers in the U.S., staffed with skilled technicians who can help quickly restore your devices to working condition. They also sell some refurbished DJI products.

State and Local DJI Bans

Some states and cities have implemented restrictions or bans on the use of DJI drones, particularly by public agencies like law enforcement or emergency services. These restrictions are usually based on security concerns or local procurement policies.

States and Cities with Restrictions Include:

Florida、Arkansas、Texas、Mississippi、Nevada、Federal agencies

Key Differences: State/Local vs. Federal NDAA Ban

• Scope: Most state and local restrictions apply only to public agencies—such as law enforcement or emergency services—and do not affect hobbyists or private companies. A federal restriction tied to the NDAA, however, would block the import, sale, and use of new DJI drones across sectors, including applications related to U.S. communications infrastructure.
• Enforcement: State-level rules are enforced through procurement policies and compliance requirements for government departments. In contrast, a federal ban would be enforced at ports of entry and regulated by FCC authorities.
• Affected Users: State/local bans mainly affect police, fire, emergency management, and other public agencies. The federal ban would have broader effects, including on commercial operators and consumers.

Why Is DJI Facing Ongoing Scrutiny in the United States?

This situation is mainly driven by broader geopolitical tensions surrounding technology and trade, along with the fact that DJI is the global leader in the drone industry and is headquartered in China.

Pushing DJI out of the U.S. market would also benefit domestic drone manufacturers. DJI has stated that it has never opposed their growth—especially as many U.S. companies focus on sensitive government and military applications, areas where DJI products are not designed or intended to be used.

Removing DJI from the U.S. market without proper justification or due process would ultimately harm the hundreds of thousands of drone operators who rely on DJI products for civilian, creative, and commercial purposes. Domestic manufacturers currently do not produce drones that serve these users, leaving them without the reliable tools they need to do their jobs.

DJI has spent the entire year calling for a fair and transparent audit. But without an agency stepping forward to take responsibility, the company could end up banned by default—despite its long history of setting global standards for safe, dependable, and secure drone technology. You can find the independent security audits and certifications conducted on DJI products since 2017 in DJI’s Trust Center.

Conclusion

DJI products are still available for purchase in the U.S. for now. However, once the ban is enforced, new DJI products will no longer be available for purchase. You may still be able to buy DJI products through other channels, but you won’t have access to DJI Care services. The products you already own will continue to function normally, though certain uses — like commercial or government applications — may be restricted.

FAQ

Is DJI Currently Banned in the U.S.?

No, DJI is not currently banned from selling in the U.S. However, if a formal safety review of DJI is not completed before December 23rd, the ban will automatically take effect.

Has the Audit Begun?

No, DJI has been pushing for this, but no agency has taken responsibility. If the situation does not change in the next few weeks, the ban will still go into effect.

Can I Still Buy a New DJI Drone in the U.S.?

Yes, you can still purchase a new DJI drone before the ban takes effect, but you will not be able to access DJI Care services.

If the Ban Takes Effect, Will My DJI Products Still Work?

Yes, your drone’s basic functions will still work, and your drone can still fly and the camera will still capture footage. However, there may be impacts on software updates, technical support, or cloud services.

Can I Continue to Fly My DJI Drone?

Yes, unless new restrictions are implemented, users can still fly their drones. However, using them for commercial or government purposes may not be allowed.

Is There a Way to Prevent the Ban?

No, the only way to avoid the ban is for national security agencies to conduct an audit and approve DJI products before December 23, 2025.