US weights rules to bar or restrict Chinese drones
By: David Shepardson
Reuters
WASHINGTON - Citing national security concerns, the Commerce Department said on Thursday [01/02/2025] it is considering new rules that would restrict or ban Chinese drones in the U.S.
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The department said it was seeking public comments by March 4 [2025] on potential rules to safeguard the supply chain for drones, saying threats from China the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data."
..... China accounts for the vast majority of U.S. commercial drone sales.
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In September, [2024] Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the department could impose restrictions similar to other under consideration that would effectively ban Chinese vehicles from the Unites States, and the focus will be on drones with Chinese and Russian equipment, chips and software.
..... A decision to write new rules restricting or banning Chinese drones will be made by the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office January 20. [2025]
..... Washington has taken a series of steps to crack down on Chinese drones over the last year. [2024]
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Last month, [12/2024] President Joe Biden signed legislation that could ban China-based DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new drone models in the U.S. An unspecified U.S. agency must determine within one year if drones form DJI or Autel Robotics pose unacceptable national security risks.
..... DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, which sells more than half of all U.S. commercial drones, said if no agency completes the study, it would prevent the company form launching new products in the U.S.
..... In September, [2024] the House of Representatives voted to bar new drones from DJI from operating in the U.S.
..... In October, [2024] DJI sued the Defense Department for adding it to a list of companies allegedly working with Beijing's military, saying the designation is wrong and has caused the company financial harm.
.... DJI told Reuters in October [2024] that Customs and Border Protection was stopping imports of some DJI drones form entering the United States, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. No forced labor is involved at any state of tis manufacturing, DJI said.