DJI files lawsuit against US regulator over import ban on new drone models

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed a lawsuit challenging a decision by the US Federal Communications Commission that bars imports and new approvals of its latest drone models and key components, escalating tensions in the ongoing technology dispute between Washington and Beijing.

DJI confirmed that it has petitioned the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to review the FCC’s order, which prevents the company from obtaining the necessary authorization to market new drones in the United States. The restriction also applies to Autel, another China based drone maker. Existing DJI models that have already received approval can continue to be sold, but no new models can enter the US market under the current framework.

The FCC decision followed congressional action in late 2024 directing the agency to place DJI and Autel on a restricted list within one year unless a national security review determined otherwise. The move was part of broader US efforts to limit the presence of Chinese manufactured drones in critical infrastructure, public safety and government operations. US officials have raised concerns about potential data security risks associated with foreign made unmanned aerial systems.

DJI, which controls a significant share of the global commercial drone market and more than half of the US commercial drone segment, argues that the FCC’s order unfairly restricts competition and denies American consumers access to advanced technology. In its legal filing, the company contends that the regulator exceeded its authority and imposed sweeping limitations without sufficient justification.

The case comes amid a wider pattern of restrictions on Chinese technology firms operating in the United States. In previous years, DJI was added to the US Defense Department’s list of companies allegedly linked to China’s military, a designation the company has disputed. Courts have so far declined to remove it from that list.

In January, the FCC introduced limited exemptions for certain foreign made drone models and components through the end of 2026, but these did not apply to Chinese manufacturers. Industry observers say the legal battle could shape how the United States defines regulatory authority over connected devices and import approvals in sectors deemed sensitive to national security.

Drone technology plays an expanding role in industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking and emergency response. Restrictions on new product approvals may affect supply chains and pricing dynamics in the US market, particularly if alternative suppliers struggle to match DJI’s scale and product range.

The lawsuit adds another chapter to the intensifying competition over advanced technologies, where regulatory actions, trade measures and court challenges are increasingly intertwined.