FCC Covered List: FAQs for Industry and International Partners 

February 5, 2026

We’ve been hearing a common question from industry and international partners: “What does the FCC’s December Covered List decision actually mean for us?” This post answers what the FCC did and did not do, the potential implications, and what comes next.

1. What did the FCC announce on December 22, 2025? 

On December 22, 2025, the FCC added PRC drone manufacturers DJI and Autel to its Covered List, citing long-standing bipartisan concern and national security findings about vulnerabilities and market distortions associated with PRC-manufactured systems. 

While DJI and Autel were the most visible examples, the FCC’s action extended beyond what was anticipated to be a targeted, PRC-focused approach to include all foreign-made drones and drone components, though exemptions, waivers and targeted policies aim to protect trusted allied suppliers. 

2. What did AUVSI support, and what did we not advocate for? 

AUVSI supported placing specific PRC manufacturers on the Covered List based on verified national security risks. 

We did not advocate for restrictions that would apply to all foreign-made drones or critical UAS components, which could impact trusted allies and our international member companies.  

Our focus has been on ensuring that the policy is narrow, risk-based, and targeted, protecting supply chains, allied partnerships, and American innovation. 

3. Does resilience mean the U.S. is moving away from international partners? 

Resilience does not mean isolation. While we certainly want to enhance U.S. drone and drone component manufacturing, we are also an international organization and believe strongly that in addition to reindustrializing the U.S., we are stronger when working with our allies.  

The U.S. drone industry is deeply intertwined with allied supply chains. If our adversaries can coordinate to undermine democracy, we must coordinate to defend it. Together, we must build an industrial and operational base that spans the American system and those of our trusted allies, an Uncrewed Arsenal for Democracies.  

4. What does the broader scope mean for allied companies, and what is AUVSI doing next? 

Expanding the scope beyond identified PRC risks raises concerns for American and allied industry, including potential impacts on: 

• Trusted supply chains 
• Allied collaboration and trade 
• The pace of U.S. manufacturing and innovation 

AUVSI will continue working with federal partners to ensure implementation remains narrowly tailored to genuine security threats, advancing American Drone Dominance while also supporting allied partnerships and domestic production capacity.  

Our democratic allies and partners are essential to building scale, resilience, experience, and a shared technological advantage. 

5. Does this decision ground existing drones, and when do the restrictions take effect? 

The FCC’s action is not a retroactive ban. Drones already in service, including PRC drones, will not be grounded, and active operators like public safety agencies can continue operating their existing fleets.  

The restrictions apply only to new equipment entering the U.S. market after December 22, 2025.  

In addition, the Administration has announced exemptions that remain in place until January 1, 2027, providing policymakers time to design a durable, risk-based framework.  

The phased implementation also gives American and allied manufacturers time to scale competitive alternatives, and law enforcement agencies, public safety users, and small businesses time to adapt procurement strategies, minimizing disruption while advancing national security objectives. 

6. What exemptions and pathways exist for trusted companies and allied suppliers? 

AUVSI is encouraged that the Administration exempted new models on the Department of War’s Blue UAS List and for equipment that meets federal Buy American standards from the Covered List restriction until January 1, 2027.  

We are also pleased that the FCC has put forward a waiver process for companies to get Conditional Approvals and AUVSI is eager to work with the Administration to ensure the process is fast, predictable, and scalable for trusted partners.  

This is essential to ensure the Covered List does not end up applying to all foreign-produced drones and critical components, including those from trusted allies.  

7. Why is the U.S. prioritizing supply chain resilience now? 

It is strategically necessary for the United States to prioritize resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of over-reliance on Chinese supply chains. Beijing’s recent export controls on rare earth minerals, including rare earth magnets, gallium, and germanium, showed how quickly economic dependence can become strategic leverage.  

Drones and autonomous systems are too critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness to remain dependent on foreign adversaries.  

8. Where can companies go for support and guidance right now? 

AUVSI understands that American and international companies and allied partners need clear, written guidance and predictable processes, particularly as the potential consequences of these regulations could be significant. 

AUVSI will continue engaging government partners and supporting industry stakeholders to ensure implementation remains clear, workable, and appropriately scoped. We encourage you to contact AUVSI’s advocacy team if you have questions, concerns, feedback, or ideas—we are here to ensure industry perspectives are reflected in the path forward. 

9. Why were DJI and Autel added to the Covered List? 

Adding DJI and Autel to the Covered List was a necessary step to address long-standing national security vulnerabilities in a technology sector vital to public safety, infrastructure protection, and national security.  

For years, multiple U.S. intelligence and security agencies and bipartisan leaders in Congress have warned that PRC-manufactured drones pose unique risks that cannot be fully mitigated, including:  

• Remote access to sensitive data 
• Supply chain leverage 
• Strategic risk of allowing a single foreign adversary to dominate a critical technology market 

Congress made these concerns explicit in Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, directing the FCC to act.  

10. What happens next—and what is AUVSI focused on? 

The FCC’s Covered List action is a turning point. With proper execution by government and industry, it can rebalance a distorted market, accelerate domestic production, and reduce strategic dependence on adversaries without undermining free trade or allied cooperation.  

AUVSI will continue working with the White House, the FCC, Pentagon, and other federal agencies to ensure clear rules, workable waiver processes, and predictable implementation.  

Our focus remains on supporting the goal of American Drone Dominance, accelerating U.S. innovation, aligning with our allies, strengthening supply chain resilience, maintaining a level playing field, and expanding competition, ultimately giving end users more secure options at competitive pricing and an end to reliance on foreign adversaries. 

About AUVSI

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics industry. AUVSI advocates for policy, education, and innovation that support safe and productive use of uncrewed systems.