FCC Eyes Banning Sketchy Foreign Drones Over Security Fears
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
In this document, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) seek comment on proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized equipment that has been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of United States persons. Through this Public Notice, PSHSB and OET propose to apply such prohibitions to certain previously-authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components, and certain communications and video surveillance equipment listed in section 1709 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025 NDAA), added to the Covered List in December 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential Boost to Domestic UAS Investment and Jobs
The FCC notes that following updates to the Covered List, domestic UAS producers have raised billions of dollars and created thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs, and it tentatively concludes that prohibiting imports could spur further U.S. production investment. The agency seeks comment on whether reducing imports would generate additional domestic production and economic benefits.
Ban Proposed on Specific Anzu Devices
The FCC proposes to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain previously-authorized foreign-produced communications and video surveillance equipment listed in section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA that are produced by Anzu, specifically devices with FCC IDs 2BBYS-RAPTOR and 2BBYS-RRC01. The proposal would apply only to these referenced devices and not to other already-authorized covered equipment.
Existing Users Can Keep Operating Devices
If the prohibition is adopted, it would not affect the continued use or operation of already-purchased UAS, UAS critical components, communications, or video surveillance equipment addressed in this notice. It also would not apply to importation or marketing for federal government use or for commercial testing and product development.
30-Day Cease-and-Desist Timeline Proposed
The FCC proposes that Anzu must cease all importation and marketing activities for the specified devices within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (publication: August 24, 2026). Interested parties are asked to comment on implementation details including quantities already in the U.S. supply chain.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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