In the United States, DJI, a major consumer drone manufacturer based in Shenzhen, has initiated legal action against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to a significant import ban that affects foreign-made drones. This import ban has been in place since December 23, 2025, and has severely limited DJI's ability to sell its products within the US market. In a petition filed with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on February 20, 2026, DJI argues that the FCC exceeded its authority when designating its products on the Covered List, which includes equipment considered a risk to national security. DJI claims this ruling did not follow required legal procedures and violates the Fifth Amendment by harming their business operations significantly. Moreover, DJI highlights how this ruling restricts US customers from accessing the company’s latest drone technology. Additionally, the FCC exempted certain foreign-made drones from this ban, particularly those from Europe, as well as critical components from companies like Sony and Samsung, yet no exemptions were made for devices or parts made in China. The FCC defended its position by stating that drones could pose threats from criminal or hostile entities, indicating that this import ban was based on a thorough national security review conducted by an Executive Branch body convened by the White House. Despite multiple requests from DJI for the US government to audit its devices, the company has found itself facing restrictions that severely impact its market presence in the US. Alongside the lawsuit against the FCC, DJI is pursuing a separate appeal regarding its designation by the US Department of Defense (DoD) as a company connected with the Chinese military. In September 2025, a judge ruled that the DoD’s listing of DJI was justified, although this ruling has been appealed by the company, emphasizing that broader companies also hold similar National Enterprise Technology Center (NETC) statuses without military affiliations. The ongoing restrictions have limited DJI’s product launches in the US, with rumors about a new 360-degree drone named Avata 360 potentially launching in March 2026. Following recent challenges, the company remains under pressure to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory hurdles in terms of its business operations in the US market. DJI’s efforts, both in litigation and public statements, are aimed at reversing these rulings and ensuring that it can continue to compete in a significant market for consumer drones. The implications extend beyond just DJI's operations, potentially affecting consumers' access to innovative drone technology, as well as the broader relationship between US and Chinese companies in technology sectors.