Over the past few months, one question has started popping up in more and more of our calls, especially with partners and customers in the United States:

“What happens if there's a DJI ban?”

Let’s be clear: there is no official ban on DJI drones in the U.S.—not yet. But restrictions are already in place and more may follow, so the pressure is increasing:

  • Some DJI shipments are being delayed or blocked by U.S. customs due to legislation related to forced labor concerns.
  • The FCC has paused new equipment authorizations for several DJI models.
  • The 2025 NDAA still sets a December deadline for the U.S. government to complete its formal security review of DJI’s role in critical infrastructure.

As someone leading growth at a software company that serves thousands of professionals who rely on DJI hardware every day, I want to walk you through what’s happening, what we expect, and how 3Dsurvey is preparing to help you stay productive no matter what direction the drone market takes.

So… Is DJI Getting Banned?

Here’s what we know as of mid 2025:

  • Some DJI shipments are already being held at U.S. customs delayed or blocked at U.S. customs due enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. DJI has denied any direct connection, but the scrutiny hasn’t gone away. This is of course already causing headaches for resellers.
  • The FCC has suspended authorizations for new DJI equipment pending the outcome of ongoing federal investigations. This doesn’t block all DJI drones currently in use, but it does impact newer models entering the U.S. market.
  • A key law, the NDAA 2025, still requires federal agencies to complete their review of DJI ban by December 2025. If DJI fails that review, it could result in broad restrictions, especially on any drone use tied to U.S. government projects or critical infrastructure.
  • Several draft executive orders are circulating that could go even further and potentially restrict DJI from public sector procurement or even introduce blanket bans on certain imports. While there’s still no full ban in place, recent actions suggest stronger restrictions are imminent  and already affecting DJI’s operations in the U.S.

So no, there is no DJI ban today, but the signs are there—and we’re not ignoring them.

Why This Matters to Us—and to You

At 3Dsurvey, we’re proud to say our software is compatible with almost any aerial data source. But let’s not pretend: DJI drones are the most commonly used UAVs among our customers, especially in surveying and construction.

That means if there’s a disruption—whether from regulatory pressure, import slowdowns, or a possible DJI ban—it hits our users first. It affects surveyors flying Phantom 4 RTKs. It affects construction and surface mining teams using Mavic 3E. It affects public sectors using Matrice drones for infrastructure inspection and documentation.

This is not a theoretical problem. It’s real and it's something we are preparing for—together.

What Are the DJI Drone Alternatives?

There’s no shortage of talk about DJI competitors but switching a drone isn’t just about the airframe. You need reliability, GNSS precision, good support, and stable data outputs that work with your photogrammetry workflow.

Here are a few alternatives we’ve seen users exploring more seriously:

  • Autel Robotics – Perhaps the most talked-about DJI alternative. Their EVO II RTK is now widely used in both public and private sector jobs, especially as a plug-and-play replacement for DJI quadcopters.
  • Quantum Systems – Excellent for fixed-wing long-range flights. Good for corridor mapping and large-scale sites.
  • Skydio X10 –  Especially common with U.S. infrastructure teams. Their U.S.-manufactured platform is gaining adoption for public-sector inspections.
  • Parrot Anafi USA –   Still used in specific regulatory contexts due to NDAA compliance. Less common for photogrammetry-grade capture but worth mentioning.

As DJI uncertainty continues, we’re actively ensuring that data from these drones - and others - flows into 3Dsurvey without issues. We’re working to ensure 3Dsurvey software integrates seamlessly with all of these—and more. Our team has always believed in open, flexible workflows. That’s even more important now.

What We’re Hearing from the Field

From our conversations with survey companies, drone resellers, and public-sector teams across North America, here’s the general sentiment:

  • “We want to stick with DJI—but we don’t want to get caught off guard.”
  • “We can’t afford downtime if our preferred drone becomes unavailable.”
  • “We need our software to be hardware-flexible. No lock-in.”

We get it, and we agree.

These aren’t theoretical concerns, they’re operational risks. For many teams, drone capture is already mission-critical. Downtime isn’t just an inconvenience. It means lost revenue, delayed deliverables, and disappointed clients.

So while most still fly DJI, almost everyone is thinking one step ahead. And that’s exactly where 3Dsurvey fits in: giving you the flexibility to move forward, no matter what drone you use.

How 3Dsurvey Is Responding

Here’s what we’re doing to make sure you’re protected—regardless whether DJI ban happens or not:

  1. We’re actively testing data from leading DJI competitors as well as the DJI ones. If your team starts using Autel, Quantum, or others, we want your data to flow smoothly into 3Dsurvey—no extra hassle.
  2. We remain drone-agnostic. You’re never locked into one brand or format. As long as your drone can capture geo-referenced images, we’ll help you turn it into results.
  3. We’re offering honest advice to partners. If you're in the market for a new drone, and you're unsure what’s next, we’re happy to share what we know—not as hardware resellers, but as software people who care about your workflow.
Testing new DJI Matrice 4 to replace Mavic 3E.

Final Thought

Whether or not a DJI ban becomes reality, we’ve already entered a new phase in the drone industry—one shaped by regulations, government restrictions, and supply chain uncertainty.

The hardware you rely on today might not be available tomorrow. But the need for accurate, timely survey results hasn’t changed, and that’s where 3Dsurvey comes in.

No matter what drone you fly next year, we’re building software that helps you deliver. Quickly, accurately and on your terms.

If you’re unsure how all of this will affect your work—or if you’re thinking about future-proofing your drone fleet—get in touch. We’re here to help.

Interested in alternatives to DJI drones? Want to test 3Dsurvey with your new gear? Get a 14- day free trial with no limitations or reach out to [email protected] and we’ll support you every step of the way.