The FCC is planning to retroactively ban disguised DJI gadgets - The Verge

What the report says

The Verge reports that the Federal Communications Commission is moving toward a retroactive ban on products sold by companies it suspects of serving as fronts for DJI, the Chinese drone maker facing increasing U.S. restrictions. The proposal would stop the targeted firms from importing, distributing, marketing or selling already-authorized drones and cameras in the United States, including products sold under the Skyrover and Xtra brands.

According to The Verge, the FCC had recently proposed $25,000 fines against eight companies, but the new step would be broader and could force affected products off major online retailers if adopted. The outlet cited Xtra’s version of DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3-style camera as an example of a device that had already received FCC approval before the relevant ban, but could still be removed from sale. The proposal would not affect items already bought by consumers, and the FCC is taking public comments for 30 days before any final action.

The companies named by the FCC include Cogito Tech, Fixaxo Technology, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, WaveGo Tech, Xtra Technology and agricultural drone brand XAG. The Verge says most did not respond to FCC information requests, while XAG reportedly replied without providing the requested details. The FCC has also “temporarily deferred” the companies’ grantee codes, though the practical meaning of that phrase was not immediately clear in the article.

The development matters because it would be an early use of FCC authority to revisit prior equipment approvals on national security grounds. The Verge also reported that the FCC is cutting ties with SGS-CSTC Shenzhen, a Chinese testing lab connected to some product approvals.