The US is considering possible regulations to limit or prohibit Chinese drones

Citing national security concerns, the U.S. Commerce Department announced on Thursday that it is reviewing new regulations that would limit or outright prohibit Chinese drones in the United States.

According to the agency, China and Russia’s threats “may offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data.” The government said it was looking for public feedback on proposed regulations to protect the drone supply chain by March 4.

The great bulk of commercial drone sales in the United States come from China.

The focus will be on drones that use Chinese and Russian hardware, electronics, and software, according to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s September statement, which also stated that the department could implement restrictions akin to those that would essentially prohibit Chinese automobiles from entering the US.

In November, she told Reuters that she hoped to get the regulations governing Chinese cars finalized by January 20.

The government of President-elect Donald Trump, which becomes office on January 20, will decide whether to draft new regulations limiting or outlawing Chinese drones.

Over the past year, Washington has taken a number of actions to combat Chinese drones.

President Joe Biden signed legislation last month that might prohibit the sale of new drone models in the United States by China-based DJI and Autel Robotics (688208.SS). Within a year, an unnamed U.S. agency must decide whether drones made by Autel Robotics or DJI represent intolerable national security threats.

According to DJI, the biggest drone manufacturer in the world and the seller of over half of all commercial drones sold in the US, the firm would not be able to introduce new products in the US if the study was not finished.

The House of Representatives decided in September to prohibit DJI’s latest drones from being used in the United States.

DJI filed a lawsuit against the Defense Department in October, claiming that the placement on a list of businesses purportedly collaborating with Beijing’s military was incorrect and had harmed the company’s finances.

Citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, DJI informed Reuters in October that Customs and Border Protection was preventing the importation of certain DJI drones into the United States. According to DJI, no forced labor is used throughout any part of the manufacturing process.

The business denies that DJI drones present data transmission, surveillance, or national security dangers, despite repeated complaints from U.S. politicians. In 2019, Congress prohibited the Pentagon from purchasing or utilizing Chinese-made drones and parts.