Huge move by the FCC yesterday, restricting the sale of foreign-made drones in the US. This is the first time the FCC has issued a class-based regulation blocking an entire category of products (as opposed to only products from designated companies). The regulation does three things:

1️⃣ Bans the sale of any new models of drones made outside the United States;

2️⃣ Bans the sale of any new models of drones that contain a critical component made outside the United States;

3️⃣ Bans the sale of all new DJI or Autel products (not limited to drones) in the United States, regardless of where they are made or what components they contain.

The regulation has no impact on the sale of existing products. It does permit DoW/DHS to issue waivers for new models if necessary - and this will be necessary for certain allied companies/countries, but should be manageable if implemented in a smart way.

This action sends a clear signal: the United States must have a secure and resilient drone supply chain going forward - which means both blocking the import of insecure/untrusted drones, and incentivizing the production of secure products in the United States. The FCC regulation does both, and is a creative example of how technology protection measures can simultaneously protect national security and promote reindusrealization. We need more actions like this!