FCC Bans Import Of Foreign Drones And Critical Components

On Dec. 22, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded its Covered List, effectively implementing a sweeping ban on the import of new models of drones and critical components produced outside of the United States. The action has a broad scope and applies to all foreign drones and critical components, regardless of country of origin and who seeks to procure them. The FCC subsequently provided clarification on Jan. 7 and 21 regarding the scope of its December decision.

Background

The FCC maintains a list of equipment and services that it has determined “pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons,” which it calls the “Covered List.” Once on the Covered List, equipment cannot receive authorizations from the FCC, and, as such, cannot be imported into the United States.