FCC updates Covered List to include foreign UAS and UAS critical components

WASHINGTON —In advance of several large mass gathering events in the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America250 celebrations, and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics, the federal government has updated its covered list to include UAS and UAS components it deems a risk to national safety.

In a press release issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), they additionally noted that, “Relying on foreign-made UAS threatens national security.”

Following review by an Executive Branch interagency body convened by the White House, the FCC received a specific determination that UAS and UAS critical component parts that are produced in foreign countries pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons” and should be included on the FCC’s Covered List, unless the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security makes a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose such risks.  The determination includes the equipment and services listed in Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.

As a result, the FCC updated the Covered List to include UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad. 

“I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. “Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”  

The FCC noted that the decision does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired.  Nor does today’s decision prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process.  By operation of the FCC’s Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed by today’s decision apply to new device models.

More information is available online at www.fcc.gov.