Halfway There: Understanding the Impending DJI & Autel Ban and Its Impact on Ag Drones
Today, June 23rd, the drone industry marked a significant milestone: we are now at halfway to the date on which DJI and Autel drones will likely be placed on the FCC’s Entities List.
The poison-pill provision of section 1709 of the 2025 NDAA will automatically place drones manufactured by DJI and Autel on the FCC’s entities list on December 23, 2025 (see 2025 NDAA § 1709(a)(2)). With the halfway mark now behind us, without any apparent action being taken so far, the signs point towards this passive resolution as the most likely outcome.
The Ramifications of the FCC Entities List: More Than Just a Sales Ban
Once placed on the FCC Entities List, DJI and Autel will be banned from selling new products within the United States, though extant drones would be allowed to operate. This alone represents a significant market shift, given DJI’s dominant presence in the agricultural drone landscape.
However, the FCC issued a rulemaking on February 23rd of 2023, that introduces a layer of uncertainty This ruling stated that any FCC license granted after that February 23rd date to an entity placed on the list would be automatically revoked. Furthermore, any prior licenses would become revocable at will by the FCC. While there has been no indication of such widespread revocations to date, the discretionary power granted to the FCC highlights the potential for future disruptions to operational fleets.
For farmers who have invested heavily in these technologies, this uncertainty introduces a significant risk.
Why Passive Action is the Anticipated Path
Several factors suggest that Washington will allow the 365-day window to expire, triggering the ban without active intervention:
Heightened Global Security Concerns: The escalating geopolitical tensions and national security conflicts worldwide have intensified focus on supply chain vulnerabilities and foreign technology risks. Chinese-manufactured drones are increasingly viewed through this critical lens.
Congressional & Administrative Consensus: There is strong bipartisan support for aggressive action against the national security threats posed by Chinese drone technology. Both the current administration and members across the political spectrum in Congress are aligned on this objective. This is only further affirmed by the recent unilateral import ban recommended in recent CBP appropriations language which point to Congressional aversion to accommodating Chinese drones.
Resource Constraints: Budgetary pressures and resource allocation, exacerbated by DOGE’s broad spending cuts, make the prospect of dedicating resources to a lengthy evaluation process less appealing. Allowing the "poison pill" to activate provides a politically expedient and resource-efficient means to achieve the desired outcome.
Preparing the Agricultural Drone Sector for a New Era
For our members and the broader agricultural community, the impending ban underscores the urgent need a robust American ag-drone market. DJI and Autel have been integral to the widespread adoption of precision agriculture, offering accessible and reliable platforms for spraying, mapping, and data collection. The transition away from these dominant players will undoubtedly present challenges, including:
Availability of Alternatives: Ensuring a sufficient supply of American-made or those made by allied nations that meet the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness requirements of agricultural operations will be critical.
Cost Implications: New technologies and potentially less mature supply chains could lead to increased costs for farmers, impacting the economic viability of precision agriculture.
Disruption to Workflows: Farmers and service providers will need to adapt to new platforms, software, and operational protocols, requiring training and investment.
ADI is actively engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to ensure that the agricultural sector's needs are heard during this transition. We are advocating for:
A Rebate Program to Help Transition from DJI to Domestic Drone Options: work with legislators to establish a financing program for American drones in exchange for getting Listed drones off the market.
Government Support for Domestic Drone Manufacturing: Investing in research, development, and scaling of American drone production is vital for national security and food security.
Clear Guidance for Existing Fleets: Farmers need clarity regarding the long-term viability of their current drone assets and any potential future restrictions.
As an industry, we must prepare for the new landscape by fostering innovation, supporting domestic alternatives, and ensuring that American agriculture remains at the forefront of technological advancement, powered by secure and reliable drone solutions.