Potential Ban on DJI Drones in the U.S. Moves Forward
The U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed legislation that could prohibit the sale of DJI drones within the country, marking a significant step towards an official ban. While the Senate still needs to vote on the matter, the likelihood of a DJI drone sales ban is increasing.
DJI, which commands approximately 70% of the global drone market, has around 6% of its stock owned by Chinese state-owned enterprises. This ownership structure has raised concerns among lawmakers about the potential for DJI drones to contain secret backdoors for Chinese government surveillance, posing national security risks.
Moreover, DJI’s success in the U.S. market would mean consumers are contributing to the growth of the Chinese economy, rather than supporting American drone manufacturers.
The proposed ban is part of the “Countering CCP Drones Act,” included in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines defense spending for the coming year. The bill has already passed through the House without issues. According to Tom’s Hardware, the Senate must now pass its version of the bill. If successful, the two versions will be reconciled and sent to President Biden for signing into law.
Impact of the DJI Drone Ban
Currently, the proposed legislation would not affect DJI drones already purchased in the U.S. However, it would halt future sales of DJI products in the country. Given DJI’s dominance in the drone market, a ban would significantly reduce the number of available drones.
In addition to drones, DJI sells other camera-related products like action cameras and gimbals, which might also be affected by the ban.
Legislative Process and Public Involvement
The ban is not yet finalized. The “Countering CCP Drones Act” could still be removed from the NDAA before it passes, depending on the actions of the senators. If you feel strongly about maintaining the availability of DJI drones, contacting your senator to express your views could make a difference.
Transition Period and Future Developments
Should the Senate approve the ban, there may be a transition period of up to three years. This would allow for adjustments to the ban and potentially give DJI time to divest part of its drone business to a non-Chinese entity.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation with the potential DJI drone ban continues to evolve.