The Federal Communications Commission has updated its Covered List to exempt certain uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components that the Department of War (DoW) has determined do not pose unacceptable national security risks. The update follows a new National Security Determination issued to the FCC on January 7, 2026, clarifying portions of the agency’s December 2025 action that added all foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components to the Covered List.
The revision exempts two categories of UAS and components until January 1, 2027:
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platforms and components included on the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS Cleared List, and
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UAS and UAS critical components that qualify as “domestic end products” under the Buy American Standard.
According to the FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, the DoW Determination constitutes a “specific determination” under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, requiring the FCC to update the Covered List to remove these exempted classes of equipment.
The FCC also published a fact sheet and extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help manufacturers, public-safety agencies, and industry stakeholders interpret the new guidance.
Exemptions Apply Through January 1, 2027
Under the Determination, the DoW concluded that UAS and UAS components on the Blue UAS Cleared List have undergone rigorous cybersecurity, hardware, and supply-chain assessment and “do not currently present unacceptable risks” to U.S. national security or the safety and security of U.S. persons. The Determination also exempts systems meeting the Buy American “domestic end product” threshold, in which qualifying U.S.-manufactured content exceeds 65 percent of total product cost, through January 1, 2027
The FCC’s revised Covered List language now reflects these exemptions, while continuing to restrict authorization of other foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components. The exemption does not affect federal agency procurement policies, which remain governed by separate statutory and agency rules.
The FCC emphasized in its fact sheet that additions to the Covered List restrict new equipment authorizations but do not prohibit continued use of previously authorized devices, nor do they bar lawful operation of existing fleets.
Pathway for Conditional Approvals and Clarification on Scope
The FCC has also outlined a process for organizations to request individual “Conditional Approvals” for systems or components not otherwise exempt. Requests may be submitted to [email protected] and will be forwarded to the DoW and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for review, according to the FAQ guidance.
The FAQs further clarify several questions raised across the drone ecosystem since the December 2025 announcement, including:
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UAS and UAS critical components are defined based on intent and primary design use.
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Components such as generic batteries that do not typically require FCC authorization are not newly subject to authorization.
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Covered List restrictions apply to new equipment authorizations, not the operation of previously authorized systems.
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Experimental licensing and R&D activities may still be eligible where public-interest findings are met.
The FCC also noted that devices produced in the United States with foreign-made components are not considered “covered” if they comply with Blue UAS standards or qualify under the Buy American Standard.
Added Clarity Follows Broad Initial Industry Impact
Industry stakeholders across public safety, enterprise UAS services, and manufacturing registered significant concern regarding the broad scope of the December 2025 determination, particularly its treatment of “foreign-produced” components and the potential impact on supply chains and product certification pathways.
The additional guidance and exemption framework are intended to provide greater clarity for manufacturers, test labs, and equipment authorization applicants, as well as for organizations relying on approved government programs such as Blue UAS. The FCC stated that Commission staff will continue to provide case-specific guidance to stakeholders as needed.
The updated Covered List, including the revised UAS entry and Appendix materials, is available on the FCC’s Supply Chain website here.
Together, the Determination, Covered List update, and newly released FAQs mark a significant refinement of the FCC’s approach to UAS-related national security risk management, while preserving pathways for authorized domestic production, Blue UAS-qualified platforms, and systems that can document compliance under the Buy American Standard.
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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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