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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2026

FCC Leads Expanding Federal Restrictions On Foreign Drones

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The federal government has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework targeting foreign drone manufacturers' access to the US market through FCC equipment restrictions, tariffs, and procurement limitations. While existing approvals may no longer guarantee market access, the FCC's conditional approval process offers manufacturers a pathway to continue operations by submitting detailed onshoring plans for review by the Department of War or Department of Homeland Security.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Andrew Golodny
Andrew Golodny

The federal government has created an expansive regulatory regime aimed at restricting foreign drone manufacturers' access to the US market. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken the lead, but other federal agencies are imposing additional restrictions (including tariffs, procurement restrictions, and supply chain scrutiny). An existing approval or a US distribution partner may no longer be enough to preserve access to the US market. And additional proposed rules, if adopted, would tighten the requirements even further. These measures make a drone manufacturer's location of production central to its ability to access to the US market.

The FCC's conditional approval process, however, provides a pathway to continue importing foreign-produced equipment pending completion of a US onshoring plan. Manufacturers submit applications through the FCC for review by Department of War (DoW) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If the reviewing agency determines that the

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