What We Know About the DJI Customs Issue

[GFields]

On October 16, 2024, Reuters reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is blocking the import of some DJI drones, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, controls over half of the U.S. drone market, making the news of a DJI customs ban significant for the industry. This report is based on a leaked letter sent by DJI to its distributors and subsequently obtained by Reuters. DJI responded to the Reuters article with a blog post providing additional context and refuting the claims.

How Customs is Blocking Some Shipments​

Customs is reportedly stopping larger shipments at the border, while some smaller shipments may still get through. This suggests that drone imports into the U.S. are being affected inconsistently. DJI says that it is actively working to provide CBP with the documentation needed to prove compliance with U.S. laws and to resolve the issue.

Broader Scrutiny of Chinese Drones​

This customs hold is unrelated to the ongoing legislative efforts targeting Chinese-made drones, such as the Countering CCP Drones Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. That bill, which still awaits Senate action, seeks to bar new DJI drones from operating in the U.S. due to concerns over security and supply chain risks from Chinese made drone technology. In contrast, the current customs situation stems from the UFLPA and focuses on labor practices rather than data or security concerns.

Last month, the U.S. Commerce Department also announced that it is considering further restrictions on Chinese drones, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stating, “We’re looking at drones that have Chinese and Russian equipment, chips, and software in them.” However, the customs issue currently affecting DJI shipments is independent of these legislative and regulatory discussions.


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