DJI may have found creative ways to keep some of its products flowing into the US, but those efforts are now drawing increased attention from regulators. According to The Verge, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has started cracking down on several companies it believes could be helping DJI continue selling products in the country. These businesses have been described by industry observers as “DJI front companies” because they market or import products that appear to be closely tied to the Chinese drone maker while operating under different brand names.
DJI’s alleged back door may be closing
One of those companies is XTRA, a US brand that sells creator-focused accessories and cameras, while another is Skyrover, which has been linked to DJI drones. The FCC has also named several other companies, including Cogito Tech, Fixaxo Technology, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, and WaveGo Tech.
The agency says it reached out to these companies earlier this year to determine whether they were selling radio equipment subject to existing restrictions. According to the report, none of them responded, prompting the FCC to proceed with financial penalties. For consumers, this isn’t just another regulatory dispute. It could have a direct impact on which DJI-powered products are available to buy in the US. The FCC has been steadily tightening restrictions on Chinese telecommunications and drone manufacturers over national security concerns. Earlier this year, it expanded its Covered List to include additional foreign drone companies, making it significantly harder for affected brands to receive the certifications required to sell wireless devices in the US.
Your next DJI camera might feel this too
The rules have also become broader than many people realize. It’s no longer just drones under scrutiny. If another gadget — say, a handheld camera for vloggers — relies on wireless hardware from a company on the Covered List, it could potentially face the same roadblocks. That’s especially relevant because DJI’s technology isn’t limited to flying cameras anymore. The company also makes popular products like the Osmo Pocket series and wireless creator gear that compete directly with offerings from Insta360 and GoPro.
Adding another twist, The Verge reports that some FCC certification documents that were previously visible for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro and XTRA products have since disappeared from the agency’s public database. It’s unclear whether this is temporary or related to the FCC’s latest actions, but if the approvals are ultimately revoked, bringing those products to the US market could become much more difficult. For now, none of this means existing DJI devices will suddenly stop working. However, it does suggest that future launches — even products that aren’t drones — could face a much tougher path to market in the US if they rely on DJI hardware or technology. That’s something creators, drone enthusiasts, and anyone waiting for DJI’s next camera should keep an eye on.
