FCC proposes retroactive ban on nine firms for alleged rebranding of DJI hardware

The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed a ban on the importation and marketing of drones and cameras from nine companies, alleging they are selling rebranded and re-shelled versions of DJI equipment. The agency identified Cogito, Fikaxo, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, WaveGo, Xtra, and XAG as entities posing an unacceptable risk to US national security.

This proposal represents the first exercise of retroactive ban powers granted to the FCC in October 2025. While the commission added all new foreign-made drones and components to its Covered List in December 2025, that rule initially applied only to new models. The current proposal extends the prohibition to certain previously authorized equipment suspected of being modified DJI hardware.

The move follows a regulatory escalation that began a week prior, when the FCC proposed $25,000 fines against the nine companies for evading inquiries about whether they were marketing products on the Covered List. The Covered List specifically prohibits the import and sale of devices in the United States due to national security concerns, a designation that previously impacted DJI as the most prominent affected company.

DJI has responded to the broader regulatory environment with disappointment, stating that concerns about its data security are not grounded in evidence. The company characterised the regulatory actions as protectionist measures that contradict the principles of an open market.

The FCC is currently seeking public comment for a 30-day period, requesting specific evidence to support its conclusions regarding the rebranding activities. The agency has not yet determined the final outcome of the ban, noting that the current allegations are based on preliminary findings rather than concluded administrative determinations.