Updated Guide on Comprehensive DJI Prohibition [2025 Edition]

Updated Guide on Comprehensive DJI Prohibition [2025 Edition]

As of July 2025, DJI drones are not currently banned in the U.S., but an automatic ban is on track to take effect after December 23, 2025, unless a formal national security review of DJI is completed by that deadline. This is a result of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which gives U.S. security agencies a one-year window to conduct a security audit of DJI.

The NDAA review is not limited to DJI, as other Chinese drone manufacturers, such as Autel, are also under scrutiny. If these companies are not cleared by the review, they could also face a ban from the U.S. market.

As of mid-July 2025, no agency has scheduled or initiated the required review, putting DJI on track for an automatic ban at the end of the year if no change occurs. DJI itself has publicly warned that "time is ticking" toward this NDAA deadline and has expressed concerns that an expedited or poorly managed review could disrupt many drone users and industry sectors.

The debate about DJI drones spying on the U.S. remains largely about perceived risk and supply chain security, not proven wrongdoing. However, the looming deadline has led to several states and cities passing or considering bans and restrictions on DJI and other Chinese-made drones, particularly for government and public safety use. Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Nevada, and several federal agencies have enacted bans or restrictions, while California, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have introduced or are considering similar bills.

Currently, new DJI drones are hard to find in U.S. stores due to customs delays, FCC restrictions, and supply shortages. Most available DJI drones are used or refurbished models. If the NDAA review isn't completed by December 23, 2025, and DJI is added to the FCC Covered List, new imports, sales, and use of DJI drones on U.S. communications infrastructure could be prohibited. Existing drones may still operate, but they could lose access to updates and support, and may not be allowed for certain commercial or government uses.

Recreational users will still be able to fly their existing DJI drones, but access to new models, updates, and support may be limited. No definitive evidence has been made public showing DJI drones are used for spying on Americans. DJI has published a 2025 Drone Security White Paper detailing the technical protections and privacy controls built into DJI drones.

The only way to prevent the automatic ban is for a national security agency to complete and clear DJI in a formal audit before the December 23, 2025 deadline. DJI has publicly called for this audit to be conducted. If no agency steps forward to perform this audit by the deadline, DJI drones will be automatically banned by inclusion on the FCC Covered List, effectively barring their import and sale in the United States.

1. The ongoing review of drone manufacturers like DJI and Autel, as part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), highlights the use of technology in ensuring national security.
2. As the deadline for the NDAA review approaches on December 23, 2025, various businesses, including the photography industry and drone mapping services, may be impacted by potential bans or restrictions on DJI drones.
3. The pilot community, using drones for purposes such as flight safety and commercial operations, could face challenges if DJI drones are automatically banned due to the FCC Covered List inclusion, potentially requiring certification with alternative drone brands.
4. The science and finance sectors might also be affected by a lack of resources and support if DJI drones are restricted, as these industries heavily rely on cutting-edge drone technology for research and data collection.
5. Government agencies, particularly those responsible for public safety and emergency response, may need to reassess their inventory and procurement strategies in light of potential bans on Chinese-made drones, including DJI.
6. In the event that the review is not completed by December 23, 2025, and DJI is added to the FCC Covered List, the company's resources to provide updates, support, and even new models to recreational and commercial users will be significantly limited.
7. While the debate about DJI drones spying on Americans remains primarily about perceived risk and supply chain security, a successful audit and clearance from national security agencies could help rebuild trust and continuity in the drone business, technology, and related industries.

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