The upcoming ban on the import of new DJI devices may turn the entire US drone market upside down.
DJI needs no introduction – it is one of the most recognizable brands of drones and video cameras, which users from all over the world love for its quality, design and functional software. Unfortunately, fans of the brand from the USA will soon have to accept that new DJI products will not appear on store shelves. In less than a month, the long-term battle between the US and a Chinese manufacturer suspected of espionage will end.
The noose around DJI is tightening – only a few weeks left
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the resulting evolution of the modern battlefield have meant that drones are no longer perceived as mere toys for recording holiday videos. They became the eyes of the army, elusive bombers and guided missiles capable of destroying armored machines worth millions. The eyes of world powers have turned not only to the drones themselves, but also to their producers, and it just so happens that currently one of the largest players in this industry is the Chinese DJI.
The beginnings of the conflict between the US and DJI should be traced back to 2020, when the Chinese company was added to the list of entities subject to export restrictions. In January 2021, Donald Trump issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese drones by US government agencies, and a year later DJI was labeled “Chinese military companies” – and that’s when things got serious, as unconfirmed accusations of espionage began to appear.
There has been talk of an official ban for DJI for many months, although so far the American government has not proven that the company actually collects data for the Chinese ruling party. However, one thing is certain – the Donald Trump administration prefers drones produced by domestic companies to fly in the American sky. However, DJI is such a popular brand that a ban on introducing new products to the market seems to be one way to cut off users from Chinese devices. There are many indications that this will happen, because December 23 is the date of entry into force of the ban on the import of not only drones, but all DJI products with a wireless radio module.
What does an import ban mean for users?
The ban’s entry into force means that American consumers will no longer be able to purchase new DJI products, although it is also likely that the ban will also be imposed on older devices. It is worth emphasizing, however, that this does not mean a ban on use, so if you are going to the USA and wondering whether using a DJI drone will be legal, we can assure you that no one will prosecute you for it – provided you comply with local regulations.
Media from overseas report that DJI has already tried to smuggle its products under different brands: Xtra (for cameras) or Skyrover (for drones), so American regulatory authorities expect similar situations after December 23 – however, the authorities emphasize that they are sensitive to such attempts to circumvent the import ban.
Some Republican politicians tried to intervene in this matter, arguing that DJI drones are used by farmers, rescue services and energy companies, and American entities will not be able to quickly fill the gap left by DJI. Donald Trump may agree to these requests, but there is no indication that the current president will side with DJI.
