The US government is seeking public input on proposed rules to secure the ICTS supply chain for drones, potentially limiting Chinese drones, which dominate US markets.
On January 2, 2025, the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek public input on developing a rule to protect the information and communication technology and services (ICTS) supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
If put into effect, the rule would limit or potentially prohibit drones originating from China, where the majority of commercial drones sold in the US are produced. The Trump administration, assuming office on January 20, 2025, will decide on potential new rules regarding Chinese drones.
According to BIS's press release, this initiative follows concerns about foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, potentially accessing and manipulating US technology and data through these supply chains. The public is asked to provide feedback on several issues, such as defining drones and their components, assessing risks posed by certain ICTS transactions, evaluating threats from foreign adversaries, and potential regulatory impacts and mitigation strategies.
BIS noted that the measure aligns with broader efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address national security risks associated with ICTS used in commercial drones. The ANPRM is part of BIS's mandate under Executive Order 13873, which allows the Department of Commerce to regulate ICTS transactions that threaten US national security or critical infrastructure. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and other officials emphasize the importance of this step in protecting US technologies and data from vulnerabilities presented by foreign influences.
Reuters reported that in September 2024, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo indicated that the department might impose restrictions similar to those that would effectively ban Chinese vehicles from the US, focusing on drones equipped with Chinese and Russian components. Previously, US President Joe Biden enacted legislation that could prohibit DJI and Autel Robotics, based in China, from selling new drone models in the country. A US agency has a year to assess if these companies' drones pose significant national security threats.
In October 2024, DJI initiated legal action against the Defense Department over its inclusion on a list of firms purportedly linked to China's military, arguing that this designation is inaccurate and financially damaging.