Are Drones Banned in the US?

The unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry is facing an important regulatory shift that could impact manufacturers, importers, and integrators.

In December 2025, the FCC announced updates to the U.S. Covered List that prohibit new FCC equipment authorizations for certain UAS, UAS critical components and UAS video equipment produced in foreign countries. An updated notice issued in January 2026 clarified the scope of the prohibition and temporarily introduced limited exceptions. These changes currently apply to new products seeking FCC authorization and raise critical questions about product design, sourcing, and approval strategies.

CKC Certification Services (CKC CS) has put together a whitepaper breaking down what happened, what it means for UAS companies, and what to consider moving forward.