Chinese drone maker DJI said it has filed a lawsuit challenging a decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block imports of its new drone models and key components.

The company confirmed it has taken the case to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, arguing that the move unfairly restricts its business operations in the United States and limits access for American customers to its latest technology.

The FCC decision, announced in December, prevents DJI and another Chinese drone manufacturer, Autel, from securing the approvals required to sell new drone models or critical parts in the US. However, both companies are still allowed to sell existing products already authorised.

Wider crackdown on Chinese drones

The restrictions follow a directive from the US Congress in December 2024, which required that DJI and Autel be added to a restricted list unless a national security review cleared them within a year.

The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to limit the presence of Chinese-made drones in the US market, citing security concerns.

In January, the FCC introduced limited exemptions allowing some foreign-made drones to be imported until the end of 2026. Notably, these exemptions do not apply to Chinese manufacturers.

Security concerns and legal pushback

DJI has consistently denied allegations linking it to China’s military. However, in September, a US judge rejected the company’s attempt to be removed from a Defence Department list of firms alleged to have ties with Beijing’s military.

Despite the restrictions, DJI remains dominant in the US commercial drone market, accounting for more than half of total sales.

The legal challenge now sets the stage for a broader dispute over technology, trade and national security, as tensions between the US and China continue to shape access to critical technologies.

(with inputs from Reuters)