The U.S. Commerce Department announced plans to consider new rules that could significantly restrict or ban Chinese-made drones in the American market, citing mounting national security concerns over potential remote access and data manipulation capabilities. The announcement, made today, marks the latest development in Washington‘s intensifying scrutiny of Chinese drone manufacturers, reports Reuters.
The proposed regulations, open for public comment until March 4, specifically target vulnerabilities in the drone supply chain that could be exploited by Chinese and Russian interests. This initiative follows Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s earlier statements about implementing restrictions similar to those affecting Chinese vehicles in the U.S. market.
The timing proves particularly significant for industry leader DJI and competitor Autel Robotics, as both companies face mounting pressure from recent legislative actions. A law signed by President Biden requires an unnamed federal agency to evaluate within one year whether drones from these manufacturers pose unacceptable security risks. DJI, which currently dominates the U.S. commercial drone market with well over 50% share, has indicated that failing to complete this assessment could prevent the company from introducing new products in the American market.
The scrutiny extends beyond just future sales. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has already begun halting imports of certain DJI drones under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, despite the company’s firm denials of any forced labor involvement in their manufacturing processes.
These developments follow a pattern of increasing restrictions on Chinese Drone Technology. The Pentagon has been prohibited from purchasing or using Chinese-made drones and components since 2019, and recent House of Representatives legislation sought to prevent new DJI drones from operating in U.S. airspace. Meanwhile, DJI has launched Legal action against the Defense Department over its inclusion on a list of companies allegedly connected to Chinese military operations, claiming the designation has caused substantial financial damage.
The broader implications for the U.S. Drone Industry could be far-reaching. With Chinese manufacturers currently supplying the majority of commercial drones in the American market, any significant restrictions could create immediate supply challenges for numerous sectors that rely on these devices, from infrastructure inspection to agricultural monitoring.
The Commerce Department’s final decision on these regulations will need to balance national security concerns with the practical needs of American businesses and organizations that have come to depend on affordable, reliable drone technology. Industry stakeholders now have until March 4 to submit their perspectives on how these potential restrictions might impact their operations.
Photo courtesy of DJI.
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