American drones.
Foreign technology.

The short answer

The United States has not prohibited farmers or commercial operators from owning or flying every foreign-made drone. Existing aircraft do not become illegal merely because of their manufacturer’s country of origin. However, overlapping federal restrictions can limit future models, sharply increase the cost of newly imported aircraft, and potentially stop future importation or sale of certain previously approved commercial drones.

New models face an FCC barrier

In December 2025, the Federal Communications Commission added foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems and critical components to its Covered List, subject to exemptions. Because radio-frequency equipment generally needs FCC authorization before it may be imported or marketed in the United States, this blocks many new foreign-made drone models unless they qualify for an exemption or conditional approval.

The immediate effect was prospective. Previously authorized models could generally continue to be imported, marketed, sold, owned, and operated. Current exceptions include certain Blue UAS products, qualifying domestic end products, toy drones, and systems receiving conditional national-security approval. Some temporary exceptions extend to January 1, 2028.

Previously approved aircraft may be next

In July 2026, the FCC requested comment on a proposal that could prohibit continued importation, marketing, or sale of certain previously authorized foreign-produced drones on the Covered List. The proposed categories include aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more, thermal or LiDAR-equipped drones, docking stations, coordinated or swarming systems, and aircraft capable of dispensing substances covered by the FAA’s “economic poison” definition.

That last category matters to agriculture because it can encompass drones used to apply pesticides, defoliants, or plant-drying agents. The proposal would not prohibit an owner from continuing to operate an aircraft already purchased, and it includes exclusions for government use, testing, U.S.-produced, or otherwise exempt equipment. As of September 4, 2026, this remains a proposal—not a final prohibition.

What this means for a DJI Agras T100

The T100 is precisely the kind of high-capability agricultural aircraft most exposed to these policies. Its maximum takeoff weight exceeds 25 kilograms and its purpose includes aerial dispensing. For units newly imported after the tariff effective date, the 100% tariff category may apply unless the importer establishes an applicable exception. Separately, the FCC proposal could affect future importation and sale of previously authorized foreign agricultural spray drones if finalized substantially as written.

A 100% aircraft import tariff does not necessarily mean an entire turnkey package doubles in price. A package may also include a trailer, mixing equipment, generators, batteries, training, service, and items already in U.S. inventory. The actual effect depends on when the aircraft entered the country, its customs classification and value, and whether the importer qualifies for an exception. Buyers should insist on written, line-item answers rather than relying on a headline.

The bottom line

The federal government is clearly moving toward reduced reliance on foreign drone technology. That direction may ultimately produce a stronger American manufacturing base. In the short term, however, the transition creates real uncertainty for agricultural operators—especially those considering large spray drones such as the DJI Agras T100.

Our position is practical and transparent: support American innovation, take national-security and data concerns seriously, and choose equipment that can safely do the job. Until domestic technology closes the capability gap, policymakers should preserve workable pathways for agriculture while helping American manufacturers build systems that farmers and professional applicators can confidently adopt.