US: FCC Still Weighing Ban on Thermal and Spray Drones

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates communications equipment in the country, is still weighing a ban on imports and sales of foreign military-grade drones. Meanwhile, Senator Rick Scott is supporting restrictions on Chinese manufacturers DJI and Autel, and the Massachusetts town of Westborough rejected Amazon drone delivery infrastructure at a local meeting. Together, the developments show that US drone regulation is taking shape at both the federal and local level.

FCC ban not yet adopted

Adam Chan, the FCC's senior national security counsel, said on The Drone Ultimatum podcast, published October 30, that the ban remains possible. It would apply to previously approved foreign drones in the military-grade category: thermal, LiDAR, spray, swarming and docking drones, plus any drone weighing 55 pounds (about 25 kg) or more.

Chan said a transition period is possible. The FCC's July 21 notice already proposes one of 180 days after the order is published in the Federal Register, which has not happened yet. Blue UAS drones would receive an exemption; of 443 filings on the transition window, 439 asked for more time. Drones people already own would not be affected. Spray drone sales fell 59% in 2025, according to the American Spray Drone Coalition.

Scott backs the case against DJI and Autel

In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Senator Rick Scott asked that DJI and Autel remain on the FCC's Covered List of companies deemed national security risks. The letter was placed in the record for DJI's petition for reconsideration and Autel's application for review. Scott says he read a classified report that finds both companies pose an unacceptable risk. DJI argues Congress did not review the technology thoroughly enough. The FCC has not decided either challenge, and the letter changes nothing for drones already owned.

Westborough votes against Amazon drone delivery

Residents of Westborough voted 510 to 13 at a special town meeting for a bylaw banning ground-level delivery drone infrastructure: launch pads, landing sites, staging hubs and residential drop zones. The fine is $300 per violation. Residents cited noise, privacy concerns over navigation cameras and the town's character. Amazon withdrew its site plan on October 30 and said it plans to submit a revised bid later. The bylaw still needs approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.