Agency Cites UFLPA In Freeze, Company Disagrees

Chinese drone manufacturer notified its distributors that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preventing the importation of some of its drones, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) as the reason for the stoppage.

DJI sells more than half of all drones sold in the U.S., and says that no forced labor is involved at any stage of its manufacturing process The company is happy to provide the documentation verifying its compliance the UFLPA.

The company’s letter says it believes the action is "part of a broader initiative by the Department of Homeland Security to scrutinize the origins of products, particularly in the case of Chinese made drones."

The letter also says the CBP’s claims are “unsubstantiated and categorically false, but the law gives them the authority to withhold goods without any tangible evidence.”

Members of Congress have for some time repeatedly raised concerns that DJI drones also pose potential risks related to data transmission, surveillance capabilities, and national security. The company rejects those concerns.

In September 2024 the U.S. House voted to stop new drones from  DJI from operating in the country. That bill awaits action in the U.S. Senate. The Commerce Department has been seeking comments on whether to impose restrictions on Chinese drones.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has said, "We're looking at drones that have Chinese and Russian equipment, chips and software in them.”

FMI:  www.cbp.gov/