In September 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Countering CCP Drones Act,” a significant legislative move aimed at restricting Chinese drone manufacturer DJI’s operations within the United States. This bill, incorporated into the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), seeks to address national security concerns associated with foreign-manufactured drones.
Understanding the Legislation
The “Countering CCP Drones Act” proposes adding DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List, effectively prohibiting new DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure. This measure stems from concerns that DJI’s products could pose risks to U.S. national security, economic interests, and public safety. The Department of Homeland Security has highlighted that the use of Chinese-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems in critical infrastructure operations risks exposing sensitive information to the People’s Republic of China authorities. GovInfo+1国会网+1
Implications for U.S. Industries
DJI drones are widely used across various sectors in the U.S., including agriculture, public safety, construction, and filmmaking, due to their affordability and advanced technology. A ban could disrupt operations in these industries, leading to increased costs and operational challenges. For instance, the agricultural sector, which has seen a rapid expansion in drone usage for crop monitoring and spraying, may face setbacks as DJI drones dominate approximately 70% of the market. Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Public safety agencies also rely heavily on DJI drones for tasks such as search and rescue, surveillance, and disaster response. The potential ban raises concerns about the availability of cost-effective and reliable alternatives to maintain these critical operations.
DJI’s Response
DJI has strongly opposed the proposed legislation, labeling it as driven by “baseless allegations and xenophobic fears.” The company emphasizes its commitment to data security and its role in supporting various U.S. industries. DJI asserts that its data security practices have been validated by multiple U.S. federal agencies and independent private sector firms. DJI Official
The Path Forward
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If enacted, DJI would have a one-year period to demonstrate that its products do not pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. Failure to do so would result in the FCC adding DJI to its Covered List, effectively banning its products in the U.S. The Verge
In response to concerns about the impact on public safety and other sectors, Senators Mark Warner and Rick Scott introduced the “Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act.” This legislation aims to provide support for American-made drones and includes provisions to assist law enforcement agencies in transitioning to secure alternatives. 参议院测试网站+2DRONELIFE+2UAV Coach+2
Conclusion
The proposed DJI ban represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards foreign-manufactured drones, with wide-reaching implications for various industries. Businesses and agencies relying on DJI technology should closely monitor legislative developments and explore alternative solutions to mitigate potential disruptions.