Chinese dronemaker DJI sues US over drone ban, says FCC exceeded ‘statutory authority’

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed a legal challenge against the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), contesting the agency’s decision to place DJI on its Covered List, which effectively bans new imports of DJI’s foreign-made drones into the United States. DJI argues that the FCC exceeded its statutory authority, failed to follow required procedures, and violated the Fifth Amendment by adding DJI’s products to the list without giving the company a fair opportunity to respond. The FCC defends its action as a necessary measure to address national security risks posed by drones, citing a review by an interagency body convened by the White House that identified DJI products as threats to US security. In parallel, DJI faces scrutiny from the US Department of Defense (DoD), which has placed the company on a list of firms allegedly linked to the Chinese military. A federal judge upheld the DoD’s decision in September 2025, noting that DJI’s drones have been used by certain militaries and highlighting the company’s ties to a Chinese government