US House of Representatives votes for bill banning DJI drones

The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that could ban drones from Chinese DJI in the United States. The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate and the US president.

In the Countering CCP Drones Act can be read that DJI Technologies' drones pose an “unacceptable risk” to the national security of the United States. It is not clear which risks are specifically involved. The proposal is part of a series of defense measures that the US government will take in 2025: the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Last week, an initial version of this package of measures was approved by the US House of Representatives. This edition of the National Defense Authorization Act must according to DroneLife and Tom's Hardware still passes the US Senate and the US President before it can be finally voted on. It is also possible that adjustments will be made or that some passages will be deleted.

The Countering CCP Drones Act was introduced earlier this year by Elise Stefanik. This American member of the House of Representatives believes that the Chinese government has “monopolistic control” over the drone market and telecommunications infrastructure and that DJI poses “a threat” to the national security of the United States.

DJI shortly after introducing the law published a statement about the matter. The Chinese company says that the law is harmful to both DJI and its partner companies and customers. The company also believes that unwarranted accusations have been made regarding its operations and espionage capabilities.

DJI has been on the American Entity List since 2020. As a result, American companies and retailers can no longer purchase and sell company drones. American suppliers are also no longer allowed to supply parts to the Chinese manufacturer. Users could continue to use the drones for the time being.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic