FCC Proposes to Prohibit Import, Marketing of Covered Equipment

“In particular, we propose to apply such prohibitions to foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components that are both on the Covered List2 and are “military grade” as defined below.”

(1) UAS that weigh 55 pounds or more on takeoff, i.e. UAS that are not “small unmanned aircraft” pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules.

(2) UAS capable of dispensing “economic poison” under FAA rules.

(3) UAS that contain or integrate sensors capable of thermal imaging (i.e. the capability to capture and translate the difference in temperature between objects, as well as an object’s heat signature and residual heat signature).

(4) UAS that contain or integrate sensors capable of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), a “remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analyzing the reflected light.

(5) UAS docking stations, defined as multipurpose systems that enable UAS to land safely, take off, recharge and/or replace batteries, and transfer data and payload.

(6) UAS “specially designed to incorporate a defense article.”

(7) Swarming UAS, defined as:
• Ground control stations purpose-built for, or UAS integrated with flight control or vehicle management systems specially designed for, managing drone swarms, consisting of UAS that operate autonomously (without human intervention) to coordinate with each other, avoid collisions, maintain formations, and dynamically respond to changes in operational or threat environments, or if weaponized, synchronize targeting activities across multiple drones; or
• UAS purpose-built to perform flights in coordinated and synchronized formations, including applications such as multi-UAS light shows, where numerous illuminated UAS work together to create synchronized aerial displays.

“This prohibition on importation and marketing would not apply to any non-military-grade UAS or UAS critical components, nor would it apply to any domestically produced UAS or UAS critical components or to any other already-authorized covered equipment.”

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-takes-action-secure-drone-supply-chain