What the FCC Covered List Means for DJI Drones — and What Comes Next

There's been a lot of discussion recently around the NDAA and the FCC Covered List, particularly as it relates to DJI drones. Many pilots are just trying to understand what's actually changing, what's not, and how this affects their ability to buy and fly drones in the United States. This post is meant to clearly explain the situation and share how we're responding.

Short Summary

DJI drones that've already received FCC certification remain legal to purchase, own, and operate in the United States. The FCC Covered List primarily affects future approvals, not existing, compliant products. US Drone Supply remains committed to compliance, transparency, and offering the best drones that can be sourced and flown in the U.S.

What the FCC Covered List Means

The FCC Covered List identifies certain companies whose new communications equipment may no longer receive FCC authorization going forward. Importantly, this is a forward-looking restriction.

The FCC has clarified in its Fact Sheet that these changes do not retroactively apply to devices that were already authorized. Products that received FCC certification prior to the Covered List action may continue to be legally imported, marketed, and sold in the United States.

In practical terms, the FCC Covered List affects future approvals, not drones that were already approved and placed into circulation. It does not make existing drones illegal to fly, nor does it ground equipment already in use.

Are DJI Drones Still Legal to Buy and Fly?

Yes. DJI drones that previously received FCC authorization remain legal to buy, own, and operate in the United States. The FCC has also confirmed that retailers may continue to import, market, and sell device models that were authorized prior to the Covered List action.

For buyers, purchasing from established U.S. sellers remains the most straightforward way to ensure timely delivery and support.

How We're Responding

We’re taking a proactive, compliance-first approach. We'll continue providing world class support for all pilots while continuing to offer the most advanced FCC certified drones out there. 

In parallel, we're actively forming partnerships with other drone manufacturers and expanding our lineup to ensure we continue offering the best drones that can be legally sourced and flown in the United States as the market evolves.

One day, we'd love to build our own drone platform. This is a serious undertaking that would require significant investment, engineering talent, and research and development. If you're interested in being involved in that future in any way, we'd love to hear from you.

What to Expect in the Marketplace

As these changes continue to work through the industry, we expect the marketplace to evolve. Availability of certain DJI models may tighten over time, pricing may increase as supply fluctuates, and interest in alternative platforms is likely to grow.

Our role is to cut through the noise and provide clear, practical guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Parts, Accessories, and Service Availability

The FCC Covered List applies to future approvals only. Parts and accessories that already received FCC authorization — including controllers, goggles, and air units — remain legal to import, sell, and use. Non-radio accessories like batteries, propellers, and chargers are not affected and will continue to be widely available.

Warranty and Third-Party Protection

Most DJI drones sold now in the U.S. are international models, and DJI doesn't honor cross border warranties domestically.

For that reason, we strongly recommend third-party protection for your drone. One popular option is a State Farm Personal Articles Policy, which is inexpensive and can cover accidents, loss, theft, and damage independent of manufacturer support.

If you fly DJI, we've Got You Covered

Existing DJI drones continue to function normally, and we’re here to support you. Whether you need batteries, propellers, accessories, or guidance navigating these regulatory changes, US Drone Supply is here to help.

We’re monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide transparent updates as new information becomes available.

Stock up on essential parts and accessories while availability remains strong. We're monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide transparent updates as the market evolves.

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We sincerely appreciate your trust and continued support. This industry's changing quickly, and we remain committed to staying informed, compliant, and transparent as things evolve. We'll continue monitoring developments closely and sharing updates as new information becomes available.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and reflects our interpretation of publicly available information at the time of writing. It does not constitute legal advice. Regulations and enforcement may change, and US Drone Supply assumes no responsibility for individual purchasing or operational decisions made based on this information.