Skip to content
Welcome, thoughtbot's Giant Robots listeners!Start here
Autel Robotics
AI-generated illustration
OrganisationCN

Autel Robotics

Chinese drone maker; suing the FCC over secret evidence and borrowed DJI allegations.

On 19 May 2026, Autel Robotics asked the FCC to disclose the basis for its Covered List designation, a restriction imposed on 22 December 2025 that blocks certification of its new US products.

Last refreshed: 2 October 2026 · Appears in 2 active topics

Key Question

Can Autel's Fifth Amendment argument undo a ban built on secret evidence it has never seen?

Timeline for Autel Robotics

View full timeline →
Follow Drones: Industry & Defence →Follow Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea →

Background

Autel Robotics is a Chinese drone maker whose consumer and commercial platforms face a US regulatory barrier. On 19 May 2026, it used its FCC filing to challenge the process behind its Covered List designation.

The FCC placed foreign-manufactured drones and critical components, including Autel products, on its Covered List on 22 December 2025. The measure prevents new equipment authorisations, making product certification a continuing constraint on Autel's access to the United States.

US federal procurement rules added a separate restriction on 13 March 2026. Contractors must exclude drones made by covered foreign entities, so Autel's regulatory status affects both future product launches and government-contract supply chains.

Key Issues
FCC challenge

Autel contests the FCC listing

On 19 May 2026, Autel filed a reply challenging the FCC's Reliance on classified material it has not seen. The company invoked a 2014 court ruling to seek an unclassified explanation, putting its own ability to contest the designation at the centre of the case.

Autel entered the Covered List on 22 December 2025, which stopped new product certifications in the United States. Since 13 March 2026, federal contracts have also excluded drones made by covered foreign entities, tightening the commercial consequence for Autel beyond the certification block.

Common Questions
What is the Ralls Corp argument Autel is using against the FCC?
Autel invokes the 2014 D.C. Circuit ruling in Ralls Corp. v. CFIUS, which held that national security review must give affected parties access to at least the unclassified evidence; Autel argues its Covered List designation was issued on secret and DJI-specific evidence it never had a chance to contest.Source: DroneDJ
Why was Autel added to the FCC Covered List?
Autel was added on 22 December 2025 under Section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA; the FCC cited national security concerns, but Autel says the specific evidence behind the decision has never been disclosed to the company.Source: DroneXL
Is Autel suing the FCC?
Yes. Autel filed suit against the FCC in February 2026 and filed its detailed reply in ET Docket 26-23 on 19 May 2026, arguing the Covered List designation violates Fifth Amendment due-process rights.Source: DroneLife
Can I still use my Autel drone in the US?
Existing Autel models with prior FCC authorisation remain legal to purchase and operate privately in the US; the Covered List blocks new certifications and federal procurement contracts only.
Is Autel banned in the US?
Autel cannot certify new drone models for the US market after being added to the FCC Covered List. Existing models remain legal.Source: background