DJI, the major drone manufacturer, has supposedly decided to depart the United States.
DJI, the world's leading commercial drone manufacturer, is not currently banned in the United States, but it faces a potential ban by the end of 2025 due to a combination of legislative action and customs-related issues.
### Legislative Context: The NDAA Deadline
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates that U.S. national security agencies conduct a formal security audit of DJI by December 23, 2025. If this audit is not initiated and completed by the deadline, DJI will automatically be added to the FCC’s Covered List, effectively banning new DJI drones from being imported or sold in the U.S. As of early July 2025, no agency has begun the required audit, raising the likelihood of a default ban if the status quo persists.
### Customs and Market Availability
There are increasing reports of DJI products being out of stock or delayed in the U.S. market, with customs authorities reportedly holding up shipments—even before any formal ban is in effect. These disruptions are not due to a legal ban but appear to stem from heightened scrutiny and enforcement actions, making it harder for consumers and professionals to acquire DJI drones. The stock shortages across major DJI product lines, including the Mini, Air, Mavic, Avata, and Inspire series, are not coincidental, according to industry observers, but rather reflect these logistical and regulatory pressures.
### DJI’s Response and Outlook
DJI has publicly stated its willingness to cooperate with a security review but has called attention to the lack of progress, urging supporters to advocate for a fair process. The company highlights its popularity in the U.S. market, where its drones are widely used by consumers and professionals alike. If the audit does not occur, a ban will take effect by default at the end of 2025, which could have significant implications for the drone industry and users reliant on DJI technology.
## Summary Table
| Factor | Current Status (July 2025) | Potential Outcome by End of 2025 | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Legal Ban | Not in effect | Automatic if no security audit occurs | | Security Audit | Not started | Required to avoid ban | | Customs Issues | Ongoing delays, stock shortages | Unclear, but signals tightening enforcement| | Market Availability | Major DJI products increasingly unavailable | Likely to worsen if ban is enacted |
## Conclusion
DJI is not yet banned in the U.S., but it is on a path toward a potential ban unless a mandated security review is conducted before the NDAA deadline at the end of 2025. Concurrently, customs and market disruptions are already making it difficult to obtain DJI products, even absent a formal prohibition. The situation remains fluid, but without intervention, a default ban appears increasingly likely.
- The lack of progress on a security audit mandated by the NDAA may lead to a default ban on DJI drones being imported or sold in the United States by the end of 2025, significantly affecting the drone industry and users relying on DJI technology.
- The business operations of DJI, the world's leading commercial drone manufacturer, are being impacted by customs-related issues, resulting in stock shortages and delays in U.S. market availability, with customs authorities reportedly holding up shipments.
- Amidst these challenges, DJI has expressed its willingness to cooperate with a security review, imploring supporters to advocate for a fair process, given the widespread use of its drones by consumers and professionals in the United States.
