Public input period highlights ongoing divide over foreign drone policy and market access
The deadline to submit comments on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) petition for reconsideration regarding DJI’s placement on the agency’s Covered List is May 11, 2026, marking a key milestone in one of the most consequential regulatory proceedings affecting the U.S. drone industry.
The petition stems from DJI’s challenge to the FCC’s December 2025 decision to expand the Covered List to include foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and critical components. That decision effectively blocks authorization of new affected products for sale or import into the United States.
At the time of writing, more than 460 comments have been submitted to the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), reflecting significant engagement from industry stakeholders, advocacy groups, and government entities.
Background: The FCC Covered List and Drone Policy Shift
The FCC’s Covered List is part of a broader effort to secure the U.S. communications supply chain under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. Devices placed on the list are deemed to pose “an unacceptable risk” to national security and are ineligible for equipment authorization required for U.S. market access.
In December 2025, the FCC expanded this framework to include foreign-produced drones and key components, a move that significantly reshaped the regulatory environment for UAS manufacturers.
The change marked a shift from company-specific restrictions to a broader, supply chain-based approach. As a result, new models from affected manufacturers cannot be approved for sale in the U.S. without specific exemptions.
DJI’s Petition for Reconsideration
DJI filed its petition for reconsideration on January 21, 2026, arguing that the FCC’s action exceeded its authority and did not follow required procedures.
In parallel, the company has pursued legal action in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, seeking to overturn the ruling.
DJI maintains that the decision restricts access to its products and impacts a wide range of U.S. users, including public safety agencies, commercial operators, and small businesses.
The outcome of the reconsideration process could influence not only DJI’s position in the U.S. market, but also how the FCC applies the Covered List framework to other foreign technologies.
Government and Industry Responses
The proceeding has drawn input from multiple federal agencies and policy organizations, as well as users of DJI products.
A recent filing from the U.S. Department of Defense urges the FCC to reject the petition, stating that certain foreign-made UAS present an “unacceptable risk” to national security.
Other public comments have similarly emphasized concerns related to data security, supply chain integrity, and potential foreign government influence.
At the same time, many industry stakeholders and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact on innovation, competition, and access to widely used drone platforms.
What the Proceeding Means for the Drone Industry
The FCC’s decision to include foreign drones on the Covered List has already had measurable effects on the market.
Because FCC equipment authorization is required to import and sell most radiofrequency devices, the ruling effectively limits the introduction of new affected drone models in the U.S.
This has prompted shifts across the industry, including:
- Increased focus on domestic manufacturing and supply chains
- New pathways for conditional approvals and exemptions
- Strategic adjustments by operators planning future fleet purchases
The reconsideration process adds another layer of uncertainty, as stakeholders await the FCC’s final determination.
How to Submit Comments
The public comment process remains open through May 11, 2026.
Stakeholders interested in participating can file comments through the FCC’s ECFS system. To submit a text-based comment, follow this link and type in 22 -26, clicking on “In the Matter of SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd” when it appears. To submit an attachment, follow this link.
Looking Ahead
The FCC will review the full record, including public comments and agency filings, before issuing a decision on the petition.
While no timeline has been announced for a final ruling, the outcome is expected to shape the regulatory landscape for drones and related technologies in the United States for years to come.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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