DJI, the company that pioneered the modern consumer drone, is now unable to sell its products in both Beijing and Washington. This comes as a result of new regulations and security concerns that have led to bans in China’s capital and restrictions in the United States. The shift marks a significant change for a company that once dominated over half of the global drone market.

Regulations in Beijing Limit Drone Use and Sales

In Beijing, all drone sales, rentals, and transport were banned starting May 1, 2026, following a law approved by the city’s legislature in March. DJI’s flagship retail store in Beijing’s Guomao district immediately removed all drone models from its shelves, including popular lines like the Mavic and Mini. Online platforms such as Taobao and JD.com also halted drone shipments into the city.

The new rules extend beyond sales. Residents within Beijing’s Sixth Ring Road are now limited to storing no more than three drones or ten core drone components at a single address without government approval. Drone owners had until the end of April to register their devices with local police, pass a brief exam via an official app, and verify their identities. Unregistered drones are now illegal to possess, and violations carry hefty fines. Transporting drones into the city is also tightly controlled, requiring prior permission and registration.

The official reason for these strict measures is security. Beijing hosts sensitive sites like government buildings, military installations, and the Communist Party leadership compound. The government argues that uncontrolled consumer drones pose a security risk, especially over strategic locations, and has aimed to tighten control over drone activity in the city.

US Restrictions Freeze New DJI Products and Cost Billions

Across the Pacific, the United States has taken a different approach but arrived at a similar outcome. In December 2025, the FCC added DJI and other foreign-made drones to its Covered List, a designation that effectively blocks new DJI devices from receiving the necessary market approval. This move follows a review process required by the National Defense Authorization Act, which DJI’s products failed to complete by the deadline.

Existing DJI drones with prior approval can still be used in the US, but no new models can be imported or sold. DJI estimates this ban will result in about $1.5 billion in lost revenue for 2026. The company has filed a lawsuit claiming that the FCC’s action is unfair and unconstitutional, but the case remains unresolved. The US government justified the restrictions as a security measure, citing concerns over potential threats to American airspace, especially with upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Overall, DJI faces a tough climate in both major markets. The combination of strict regulations in Beijing and US security bans has severely limited its ability to operate freely. The company continues to challenge these restrictions legally while navigating a landscape increasingly wary of Chinese technology companies’ role in national security concerns. This situation marks a significant turning point for DJI and the global drone industry.

Inspired by

• https://thenextweb.com/news/dji-drone-ban-beijing-washington-squeeze

Sources

• scmp.com