The Commerce Department announced on Thursday its consideration of new rules that would impose restrictions or bans on Chinese drones within the US. Citing threats from China and Russia, the department expressed concerns about adversaries potentially gaining remote access and control over these devices, risking exposure of sensitive US data. Public comments on the proposed rules are being sought until March 4th.
A final decision regarding the restrictions will be made by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Last month, President Biden signed legislation that could ban China-based DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new drone models in the US. This decision builds upon previous threats from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who indicated the possibility of restrictions similar to those effectively barring Chinese vehicles from the US. An unspecified US agency has one year to determine if drones from DJI or Autel Robotics pose unacceptable national security risks. DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer with over 50% market share in US commercial drones, stated that the lack of a completed study within the timeframe would hinder the company's ability to launch new products in the US. In October, DJI sued the Defense Department for including them on a list of companies allegedly collaborating with Beijing's military, disputing the designation and its financial impact. Additionally, DJI reported that Customs and Border Protection had halted imports of certain DJI drones entering the US, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. DJI vehemently denies any involvement in forced labor at any stage of its manufacturing process