Congress eyes restricting the use of the most popular brand of drones.

AGC recently reported on congressional efforts to restrict the use of DJI drones in the United States over their links to the Chinese government and potential national security concerns.

The Countering CCP Drones Act would bar DJI drones from using Federal Communications Commission (FCC) communication infrastructure and would effectively forbid any new DJI models from operating in the United States. This legislation would only target new models, so contractors would still be able to use any DJI drones that they already own and operate in the U.S.

The Countering CCP Drones Act also targets the software that is used to operate DJI drones. Similar to the physical product, new software would be barred from being used while those already in use today can continue to be utilized. However, some software updates for existing drones could be halted for current models if the updates are substantial enough to require FCC approval.

Another proposed bill, the Drones for First Responders Act, would increase tariffs on DJI and other drones made in China. The tariffs would begin at 30% and increase by 5% annually (up to 50%). The funds raised from the tariffs would be used to provide grants to first responders, critical infrastructure providers, farmers and ranchers for the purchase of drones manufactured in the U.S. or allied countries. If this bill were enacted, it would increase the price of new DJI drones through an import tax in an effort to encourage the purchase and use of drones made in the U.S.

As of now, none of these bills have been signed into law. However, if passed, contractors purchasing drones could face fewer options and higher costs.

For more information, please contact Deniz Mustafa.