DJI Appeals FCC “Covered List” Decision as U.S. Drone Ban Fight Escalates

While the “drone ban” against new DJI drones being released in the United States is now in effect, it would have been silly to think that the legal battle was said and done here.

Despite the FCC adding DJI to its National Security List back in December, the final nail in the coffin of the long-rumored “DJI drone ban,” which actually made it illegal for the Chinese drone manufacturer to sell new drones in the US, it appears that DJI still has some fight in it.

According to reports, DJI has filed a formal appeal to challenge the FCC’s decision that placed the company on its “covered list,” and the fight to sell new drones in the US might heat up once again.

DJI Finally Appeals FCC Drone Ban

According to reporting done by the Global Times, DJI formally filed an appeal with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last week that challenges the FCC’s December decision, which put the company on the “covered list,” and—in effect—put the DJI drone ban into place.

From the same reports, DJI argues against the FCC’s decision, which has “serious procedural flaws and substantive defects," and makes the case that there isn’t any substantive evidence that proves the new DJI drones pose any threats to US national security, which is the reasoning behind the ban in the first place.

As we’ve covered since this saga began, the “drone ban” that is now in effect only covers new DJI drones, meaning customers in the US are still able to use their current and old DJI drones, as well as buy and trade these models.

But even before the ban went into effect, this looming and now current ruling has kept US customers from being able to get their hands on the newest DJI drones like the highly acclaimed Mavic 4 Pro.

What Comes Next?

As is always the case with news surrounding DJI’s US drone ban battle, it’s hard to say what the next major milestones might be. This appeal may move quickly or it might be held up in court for months, if not years.

In the meantime, while older DJI drone models are still out and about in the US, other brands are slowly making inroads, as we’ve seen Antigravity launch its flagship A1 drone and the release of the Ruko U11MINI.

Still, for DJI drone owners and fans hoping for a resolution that sees the ban lifted and the latest drones available in the US once again, there is hope—but it’s hard to say much more at this time. We’ll keep you updated, though, so stay tuned.