US Exempts 4 Drone Models From Import Ban

The FCC granted conditional approvals to select systems deemed low risk while restrictions on Chinese manufacturers remain in force.

A drone in flight in Shenzhen, China, on July 12, 2022. Jade Gao/Getty Images

U.S. regulators have exempted four foreign-made drone systems and related components from an import ban after determining they do not pose national security risks, marking the first significant carve-out since restrictions were imposed last year.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on March 18 it updated its “Covered List” to remove specific uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) following a determination by the Department of War.