FCC proposes retroactive ban on LiDAR-equipped DJI drones

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a significant expansion of its existing ban on foreign-made drones, targeting models that were previously approved for sale. The new proposal specifically seeks to prohibit the sale of drones equipped with LiDAR, thermal imaging, and aerosol dispensing capabilities, a move that directly impacts several popular consumer and commercial units.

The regulatory action affects specific DJI models, including the Air 3S, Avata 360, and Mini 5 Pro. Beyond consumer hardware, the ban would also restrict commercial drones utilised for agricultural spraying and search and rescue operations. The FCC’s public notice indicates an intent to extend prohibitions to categories of drones viewed as having military capability or posing national security risks, including those capable of integrating defence articles, using docking stations, or operating as swarming drones.

This proposal represents a retroactive shift in policy. In December 2025, the FCC added foreign-made drones and their critical components to its "Covered List," a catalog of communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security. At that time, the change only affected upcoming models, allowing older, previously approved drones to remain on the market. The latest move effectively pulls those previously permitted units from future sales channels.

While the FCC has emphasised that the ban would not affect drones already purchased by consumers, the restriction on new sales could have tangible downstream effects. The agency acknowledges that barring manufacturers from selling new units may lead to a scarcity of spare parts and result in the removal or lack of updates for software features. The ban also extends to products sold by companies suspected of rebranding DJI products, complicating market identification for retailers and buyers.

DJI has strongly opposed the proposal, issuing a call to action on its official ViewPoints blog. The manufacturer condemned the FCC’s latest request, describing the move as a "total reversal" of the agency's previous regulatory stance. The FCC is currently seeking public comments on the proposal until 2 September, with the regulatory stance remaining unfinalised during this period.