DJI, the world's leading consumer drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) challenging its December 2025 import ban on foreign-made drones. The Shenzhen-based company argues the FCC exceeded its statutory authority and violated the Fifth Amendment when adding DJI to its Covered List of communications equipment deemed a national security risk.

In its February 20 petition to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, DJI claims it was never given an opportunity to address the FCC's concerns despite repeated requests for government audits of its devices. The FCC had previously exempted some European drones and components from Japanese and South Korean manufacturers, but maintained the ban on Chinese-made drones. The agency justified its decision by citing potential threats from criminals and hostile foreign actors using drones against US interests.

The lawsuit follows DJI's ongoing legal battle with the Department of Defense over its inclusion on a list of companies allegedly working with the Chinese military. A September 2025 ruling found the DoD had adequately considered DJI's submissions before adding the company to the list, noting DJI's status as a National Enterprise Technology Center connected to Chinese government agencies. DJI maintains the FCC's decision 'carelessly restricts' its US business and denies American customers access to its latest drone technology.