FCC Bans Foreign-Made Drones, Citing Security Risks

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted a ban on the import and sale of new foreign-made drones in the United States, effective immediately. The agency added drones to its 'Covered List' on Monday, citing national security concerns.

This action classifies foreign drones as communications equipment and services that pose an unacceptable risk to the security of the country. The decision has been met with approval from domestic manufacturers but disappointment from consumer hobbyists who will lose access to the latest foreign models.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially designated drones as a national security threat, banning their import and sale in the United States. The ban went into effect on Monday, December 23, 2025, immediately restricting access to new foreign-manufactured drones for American consumers and businesses.

The decision was made by adding drones to the agency's 'Covered List.' This list is reserved for communications equipment and services that the FCC determines pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of its citizens. The FCC released a fact sheet on Monday outlining the rationale for this designation.

The ban is rooted in national security protocols designed to protect U.S. communications infrastructure. By classifying foreign-made drones as a potential threat, the FCC is taking a proactive stance against equipment that could be exploited for surveillance or data theft.

The Covered List serves as a formal registry of prohibited technology. Drones now join a list that already includes prominent foreign technology firms. The inclusion of these companies highlights a broader government effort to secure the nation's technological supply chain against foreign adversaries.

The implementation of the ban has created a clear divide within the drone community. US drone makers have publicly expressed their happiness with the FCC's decision, viewing it as a necessary step to protect domestic manufacturing and ensure a level playing field in the market.

However, the reaction from US drone hobbyists is markedly different. Enthusiasts who follow the latest drone technology are reportedly 'not so much' pleased, as the ban effectively cuts off their access to the newest and most advanced drone models coming from foreign manufacturers.

The FCC's decision to add drones to the Covered List marks a significant shift in the U.S. technology landscape. While the move is framed as a critical protection of national security, it undeniably alters the market for drone technology in the United States.

As the ban takes hold, the industry will likely see a continued focus on domestic production to fill the void left by foreign models. For now, American consumers must navigate a market where the latest drone innovations are no longer readily available.