DJI Faces US Government Ban on Drone Products Amidst Unanswered Audit Requests
DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has expressed frustration over its inability to engage with U.S. government officials regarding upcoming regulations that could potentially ban their products. In an interview with Bloomberg, DJI’s head of global policy, Adam Welsh, stated they have been attempting to discuss the necessity for an audit of their business before the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) takes effect at the end of 2025. However, all attempts at communication have reportedly gone unanswered.
According to the NDAA, DJI must undergo a security audit by an “appropriate national security agency.” If the company fails to comply or if they fail the audit, their products will be added to the FCC Covered List and barred from import and sale in the U.S. This means that no new DJI products would be introduced in the country, and existing ones may not receive software updates. The audit must be completed by December 23 to avoid a ban.
Welsh shared that he spent almost two weeks in Washington in July trying to arrange meetings with relevant authorities, but was told these encounters wouldn’t occur. Bloomberg reports that multiple government officials have confirmed their unwillingness to meet with DJI. Florida Senator Rick Scott, a Republican, stated his refusal to speak with the brand due to concerns over China’s intention to spy on U.S. citizens.
On a separate note, DJI launched its first robot vacuum this week under a new subsidiary brand called Romo. The company is venturing into smart home products for the first time, offering three models of the vacuum. With the looming ban on DJI drones, it seems unlikely that the Romo series will be available in U.S. stores later this year, as per DJI’s confirmation of international market availability for the product line.
Over the past few years, DJI has been expanding its product offerings beyond drones, such as popular gimbals. The company plans to announce availability for the Romo series in international markets later this year. Stay tuned for updates on DJI’s journey into smart home products.
