US Exempts Some Foreign-Made Drones from Import Ban

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced that it is exempting imports of some new models of foreign-made drones and critical components from a sweeping import ban adopted in December. The telecommunications regulator acted on a Pentagon recommendation to exempt some components and drones from the restrictions through the end of 2026.

The list of imported drones allowed for import includes models from EagleNXT (AgEagle), Parrot, Teledyne FLIR, Neros Technologies, Wingtra, Auterion, ModalAI, Zepher Flight Labs and AeroVironment and imports will be allowed until the end of 2026.

The following is the Blue UAS Cleared and Select lists. The Blue UAS Cleared List are those approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of DoW users. These drones are compliant with current law and policy, validated as cyber-secure (by either being added from AUVSI's Green List or by the third-party recognized assessors), and are available for DoW purchase and operation.

The drones identified with Yes are Blue UAS Select. These have been added to the list in response to partner organization needs and through competitive processes. These platforms have an Authority to Operate (ATO) and have undergone additional cybersecurity and performance based assessments.

Sources: Reuters; DCMA