Banned DJI cameras found for sale on major US platforms despite import restrictions
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 devices are being sold on US marketplaces without the required FCC certification, highlighting enforcement gaps in the December 2025 ban on foreign communications equipment.
Despite a regulatory ban on importing specific DJI cameras into the United States, the devices remain widely available on major online platforms including Temu, Amazon, eBay, Mercari, and Newegg. The Verge has confirmed that the Osmo Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro models are being sold without the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification required for the import and sale of radio-enabled devices in the US.
The availability of these banned units suggests significant enforcement challenges for US regulators. A recent purchase by The Verge of a Pocket 4 Pro Vlog Combo from Temu cost $659.28 and was shipped from a fulfilment centre in Oregon within four days. The transaction was processed through a cross-border logistics company, indicating that the devices are already in the country or are moving through established supply chains that bypass standard import controls.
The ban stems from a December 2025 rule targeting foreign drones and specific communications equipment. Under this framework, the FCC revoked the certifications for the DJI cameras using rule 47 CFR 2.962(f), a provision that allows for the removal of certifications within 30 days of a new ban. The FCC has not provided a public explanation for the specific application of this rule to the DJI devices, though the company has acknowledged the determination.
DJI has stated that it does not sell the Osmo Pocket 4 or Pocket 4 Pro through official US channels and claims no involvement in the third-party sales currently observed. The company noted that the products were not released in the United States at their global launch. Inspections of units purchased from third-party sellers revealed Chinese language menus and a lack of FCC identification on the device or packaging, suggesting these are not US-specific releases.
The inclusion of cameras in a drone ban has raised questions about the scope of the regulations. The December 2025 rule targeted "communications or video surveillance equipment" from a list of companies including DJI, Autel Robotics, Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua. While the ban is intended to block new imports, it does not confiscate existing devices, leaving a grey area for units that have already entered the market or are being resold.
This situation parallels recent regulatory manoeuvres by other manufacturers. HoverAir, also known as Zero Zero Robotics, recently secured FCC certification for its Versa drone by arguing that its camera component is not on the covered list, despite the device being a foreign-made drone. The ongoing presence of banned DJI cameras on US platforms underscores the difficulty regulators face in policing the secondary market for restricted technology.
