• DJI, the most popular consumer drone maker, is suing over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s importban against new, foreign-made drones, which has been in effect since December 23, 2025. • On Tuesday, the Shenzhen-headquartered company filed a petition[PDF]with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that seeks to overturn the FCC’s decision to list DJI on itsCovered List. • The Covered List includes communications equipment and services that are “deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons,” per the FCC. • In its petition dated February 20, 2026, DJI said: Petitioners seek review of the Ruling on the ground that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to observe statutorily required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment when it purported to add DJI’s products to the Covered List. • Petitioners respectfully request his Court hold unlawful, vacate, enjoin, and set aside the Ruling and grant any other relief that the Court finds proper. • In January, the FCCexempteda limited number of foreign-made drones, including some coming from Europe, until the end of this year.

Article Summaries:

  • DJI, the world’s leading consumer drone maker, has filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to overturn a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision that placed the company on its Covered List, effectively banning the import of new foreign‑made drones since December 23, 2025. DJI argues the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment. The company claims it was denied a chance to provide evidence and that the ban unfairly restricts its U.S. business. The FCC’s move was justified by national‑security concerns, citing potential threats from hostile actors.

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