Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components manufactured abroad have been added to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Covered List. The action will prevent drones manufactured in China, like those made by DJI and Autel Robotics, from being sold in the United States.

It stated that as the nation gets ready to host a number of large-scale gatherings in the upcoming years, the decision is being made to protect Americans and restore American airspace sovereignty. However, the ban does not stop retailers from selling, importing, or marketing device models that the government approved this year, nor does it affect consumers' ability to use drones they have already purchased. The National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump one week prior to this development.

for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes measures to protect airspace from unmanned aircraft that pose a risk to the public. The Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky was added to the C covered list in late July 2024, prohibiting it from providing its security software in the nation either directly or indirectly. The FCC stated in a blog post on Monday that it is unclear if the action will have any effect on consumer drone sales, which are anticipated to continue through the end of the year.

Additionally, the agency stated that if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concluded that certain drones or parts did not present such risks, they would be exempt.