Chinese drone maker DJI said on Monday it regretted a decision by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to place all foreign-made drones on its so-called “Covered List,” saying the move restricts consumer and commercial choice and undermines principles of open and fair competition.
In a statement, DJI said it has long been committed to providing innovative tools and inspiration to visual creators worldwide as a pioneer and leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology. Its products are widely used in areas including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, surveying and mapping, firefighting and rescue, and natural resource protection, the company said, adding that they have played an irreplaceable role in improving efficiency and safeguarding lives and public safety.
DJI said the security and reliability of its products have been verified over many years by global markets and multiple independent third-party institutions. The company said it would assess all available options to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and those of its global users.
The comments came after the FCC said on Sunday it had added DJI, along with all foreign-manufactured drones and related components, to a list of companies deemed to pose an “unacceptable risk” to U.S. national security, according to reports by Reuters and U.S. media outlet The Hill.
Being placed on the FCC’s Covered List means foreign drone makers will no longer be able to obtain FCC approval to import or sell new drone models in the United States. The designation does not ban the import, sale or use of drone models that have already received FCC authorization, nor does it affect drones that have already been purchased, the reports said.
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