FCC Covered List
US regulatory list banning FCC certification for covered Chinese telecoms/drone components.
On 11 September, the FCC Covered List widened its barrier to drones with security-listed control chips, effective 13 October. The list had already blocked certification of new foreign-made drones in the United States since 22 December 2025.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
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Timeline for FCC Covered List
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The FCC Covered List is a United States regulatory list administered by the Federal Communications Commission. It determines whether covered communications equipment can receive new FCC authorisation, making it a gatekeeper for products seeking access to the US market. Its drone coverage applies to foreign-manufactured drones and critical components.
The list sits alongside procurement restrictions but serves a different function: it governs certification rather than a single buyer's purchases. That distinction gives it continuing relevance to manufacturers, component suppliers and distributors planning new products for the United States. The September 2026 component rule shows that the certification test can reach control hardware within a device.
The list widens certification barriers
On 22 December 2025, the FCC Covered List blocked new US certification for all foreign-manufactured drones and critical components. That made the list a direct market-access constraint for DJI and Autel Robotics, rather than a procurement rule limited to federal buyers.
On 11 September 2026, the FCC published a rule covering devices with control chips made by firms on its security list; it takes effect on 13 October. The change extends the Covered List's practical reach into component supply chains, making certification depend on hardware inside a drone as well as its manufacturer.
Is DJI banned in the United States?
What is the FCC Covered List and what does it do?
What is the FCC Covered List and how does it affect DJI?
When were drones added to the FCC Covered List?
Is DJI challenging its FCC Covered List placement in court?
Why does the DoD oppose removing DJI from the Covered List?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 1 October 2026. Editorial standards.