Proposed rules may extend restrictions to previously authorized devices and components
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new vote aimed at closing what it describes as “loopholes” in existing regulations governing equipment produced by companies considered security risks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said October 7 that the Commission will consider new rules to prohibit the continued import, sale, or marketing of previously authorized devices from entities on the FCC’s Covered List, such as Huawei and Hikvision, and to extend prohibitions to component parts included within other authorized products.
The proposal represents an expansion of the FCC’s ongoing effort to secure U.S. communications infrastructure from potential foreign surveillance or interference. “Up to now, FCC regulations have not prevented Covered List providers from continuing to sell previously authorized device models,” Carr said. “Nor have they applied to a device’s component parts. This month, the FCC will vote on closing these loopholes and providing the agency with new tools to safeguard our networks from insecure spy gear.”
Implications for Drone Manufacturers and Users: DJI FCC Restrictions
While the FCC announcement does not name new companies beyond those currently listed, the timing raises questions within the drone industry about how such expanded rules might interact with language in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). That legislation calls for the FCC to add DJI to its Entity List if a security review determines the company poses a national security risk, or if such a review is not conducted at all.
Until now, most interpretations of the NDAA provision have suggested that the restrictions would apply primarily to new DJI models introduced after a potential FCC determination, allowing existing fleets to continue operating. However, the FCC’s proposed rule to extend prohibitions to “previously authorized” devices could broaden the scope considerably. If adopted and later applied to DJI, it could theoretically prevent the continued import or sale of existing drone models already cleared for use, or even restrict devices that include DJI components.
Broader Context: The FCC’s Covered List and Ongoing Policy Momentum
The FCC’s Covered List identifies companies whose equipment is deemed a national security threat under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. Entities currently listed include Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Dahua, and Hikvision. Adding DJI to that list would place the company in a new regulatory category, potentially affecting retail channels, component suppliers, and service providers using DJI hardware as part of their systems.
As DRONELIFE has previously reported, the FY25 NDAA language reflects growing bipartisan pressure to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese-manufactured drone technology. While DJI remains the dominant global drone supplier, legislators have pushed for a transition toward “Blue UAS” or NDAA-compliant alternatives. The possibility that new FCC rules could extend prohibitions retroactively adds a new dimension to that debate, one that may directly impact the availability of existing commercial and public-safety fleets that depend on DJI platforms.
What Comes Next
The FCC’s vote is expected later this month: although the current government shutdown will delay action. If adopted, the Commission would begin a rulemaking process to implement the new restrictions and seek further comment on expanding prohibitions to a broader class of foreign-controlled equipment and components.
Until formal action is taken, the scope of potential impact on drone operators remains uncertain. However, the combination of congressional directives and the FCC’s evolving approach to equipment authorization underscores how closely the agency’s next steps will be watched, not only by telecom manufacturers but also by the entire drone ecosystem.
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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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