U.S. FCC Logo [Reuters=Yonhap News]

The U.S. administration of Donald Trump has decided to ban the import of foreign-made drones and related components into the United States. This measure is particularly aimed at completely blocking Chinese products, which hold a large market share.

On December 22 (local time), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced through a public notice that it has added unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, and their key components produced in foreign countries to the FCC's Covered List.

This list targets communication equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security or the safety and security of the American people. Equipment included in this list cannot obtain FCC certification for import, distribution, or sale in the United States, thus blocking their entry into the U.S. market.

The FCC explained that this policy to broadly block foreign-made drones was decided after thorough review by a coordination body of national security officials convened by the White House the previous day.

"National security agencies cited concerns that foreign unmanned aircraft could be used for attacks, disruption, unauthorized surveillance, leakage of sensitive data, and other homeland security threats," the FCC stated. "They also pointed out that reliance on such foreign equipment weakens the U.S. drone industry base."

The FCC stated that foreign equipment will generally be included on the FCC's regulatory list unless the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security determines that a specific UAS or key component does not pose a national security risk.

However, the FCC added that this restriction applies to new equipment requesting certification, and drones that consumers have already purchased or acquired can continue to be used. Retailers are also permitted to continue selling equipment that has already received FCC certification.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr emphasized, "President Trump has made it clear that our administration will take action to protect American airspace and establish U.S. drone superiority. Following the President's leadership, the FCC will work closely with American drone manufacturers to achieve U.S. drone superiority."

The FCC's action follows the U.S. Department of Commerce's announcement in September that it would develop regulations to restrict the import of Chinese-made drones.

U.S. media, including Bloomberg News, interpreted this as a measure by the Trump administration primarily targeting DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer.

Chinese and Russian companies such as Huawei, ZTE, and Kaspersky Lab were already on the FCC's list of covered entities and were unable to obtain equipment certification.

DJI had been increasing its market share in the United States without facing significant regulations.

According to Reuters, DJI stated earlier this month, "More than 80% of the approximately 1,800 state and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies in the U.S. operating drone programs use DJI technology. These programs will face immediate risks if they cannot access the most cost-effective drone technology."