Congress Considers Drone Ban for Chinese Manufacturers DJI and Autel

Under a proposed annual military bill, China-based drone manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics could face a ban on selling new drones in the U.S. market. The 1,800-page bill, set to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives later this week, mandates that a national security agency assess within one year whether drones from these companies pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

Potential Impact on DJI and Autel

If no agency conducts the required study, DJI would automatically be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List.” This would prevent DJI from launching new products in the U.S. market, even if the company has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. DJI expressed concerns that its products were being unfairly targeted, stating that it has voluntarily submitted its drones to regular independent security audits and enhanced privacy features.

Autel Robotics, which also faces scrutiny, has not commented on the situation. Last year, a group of bipartisan lawmakers urged the Biden administration to investigate Autel for potential national security risks.

Past Congressional Actions and Legal Challenges

In September, the U.S. House voted to block new DJI drones from operating in the U.S., and the U.S. Commerce Department is reviewing whether to impose similar restrictions on Chinese drones. DJI has also faced legal battles, including a lawsuit against the Department of Defense after being added to a list of companies allegedly linked to Beijing’s military.

In addition, Customs and Border Protection has been halting some DJI drone imports, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a measure DJI denies applying to its operations.

Ongoing Concerns Over Security Risks

U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly voiced concerns that DJI drones could be used for data transmission and surveillance, presenting a national security threat. DJI has denied these accusations, asserting that its drones do not compromise the security of U.S. users.