US Agency Eases Import Rules For Chinese Toy Drones

The US Federal Communications Commission ( FCC) has decided to allow new Chinese toy drones to be imported into the United States. Last December, the FCC banned imports of new foreign-made drones and key drone parts, including products from Chinese companies DJI and Autel. The agency said these drones could create risks for U.S. national security.

However, the FCC has now set expectations for simple toy drones. It said these small toys do not have the advanced features found in regular drones and therefore pose no security risks. To qualify as a toy drone, the device must weigh less than 150 grams, fly only within 100 meters and within the operator's sight, and have no internet connection. It also cannot have a camera, surveillance sensors, or data storage features. In addition, its flight time must not exceed 10 minutes.

The FCC said these basic toy drones lack the range, technology, or data-gathering capabilities of larger drones. Last month, the agency also allowed Chinese drones and home internet routers already sold in the US to continue receiving important software updates until at least the end of 2028.

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At the same time, the US government is still considering tougher restrictions on some Chinese technology companies. The FCC is reviewing whether to ban additional Chinese equipment and is also proposing rules that would prevent US telecom companies from connecting to certain Chinese telecom firms seen as national security risks.

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