DJI has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the US government's ban on importing new drones from foreign manufacturers, a restriction that has blocked the Chinese company's products from entering the country since December 23, 2025. The world's largest consumer drone maker submitted a petition to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Tuesday seeking to remove itself from the Federal Communications Commission's Covered List, which designates communications equipment deemed a national security threat.

The legal challenge puts DJI's estimated 70 percent share of the US consumer drone market at stake. The company, headquartered in Shenzhen, argues the FCC exceeded its statutory authority by adding DJI to the list without sufficient evidence of security risks.

What the Covered List Means

The FCC's Covered List bars US companies from using federal subsidies to purchase equipment from listed manufacturers. The designation also effectively blocks new imports of the banned products. According to the FCC, entities on the list pose "an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons."

DJI joins Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE on the list, part of a broader US effort to restrict Chinese technology companies from American markets. The ban applies to new drone imports but does not prohibit the use or sale of DJI drones already in the United States.

The Company's Legal Argument

In its February 20 petition, DJI contests both the process and substance of the FCC's decision. The company maintains that the commission failed to provide adequate notice or opportunity to respond before the listing took effect, and that the agency relied on insufficient evidence to justify the national security designation.

The lawsuit represents DJI's most direct legal challenge to US restrictions after years of mounting regulatory pressure. Congress has debated multiple bills targeting the company, including proposed legislation that would add DJI to a separate Federal Aviation Administration ban list.

Industry Impact

The import ban affects not only recreational drone users but also commercial operators across agriculture, construction, emergency services, and infrastructure inspection. Many of these sectors have standardised on DJI equipment due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to US-manufactured alternatives.

American drone manufacturers, including Skydio and Brinc Drones, have positioned themselves to fill the gap left by DJI's absence. However, industry analysts note these companies lack the production capacity to immediately replace DJI's market presence, and their products typically carry higher price points.

What Comes Next

The Ninth Circuit will review DJI's petition and determine whether to hear the case. Legal experts say the company faces an uphill battle, as courts typically defer to federal agencies on national security determinations. The case could take months or years to resolve, during which the import ban remains in effect.

DJI has not announced plans to relocate manufacturing outside China, which would potentially circumvent the foreign-made drone restriction. The company continues to support existing US customers with software updates and replacement parts for drones purchased before the ban took effect.