Import Restrictions on Drones Modified

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a notice providing certain exemptions from import restrictions recently imposed on drones produced in foreign countries.

The FCC maintains a list of equipment and services that have been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons (Covered List). The FCC announced Dec. 19 the addition of all uncrewed aircraft systems (otherwise known as drones) and UAS critical components produced in foreign countries to this list, effectively prohibiting new such goods from being imported for use or sale in the U.S.

However, the FCC has since removed the following from the Covered List until Jan. 1, 2027, because they have been determined to not pose national security risks.

– UAS and UAS critical components included on the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS Cleared List

– UAS and UAS critical components that qualify as domestic end-products under the Buy American Standard

More details on these restrictions can be found here.