What the FCC Covered List update means for agricultural drone users

FCC update (Dec. 22, 2025): Foreign-produced drones and certain “critical components” were added to the FCC’s Covered List, meaning new models in those categories generally can’t obtain FCC equipment authorization needed for import/marketing/sale. Existing, previously authorized models remain usable, and retailers can continue selling authorized models already approved.

On December 22, 2025, the FCC updated its “Covered List” to include unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country, based on a national security determination from an Executive Branch interagency body. For agriculture, where a large share of spray and scouting platforms have historically been imported, this is a major market shift. But the most important detail for growers and operators is that This is a “going-forward” restriction aimed at new device models, not a shutdown of the drones already in the field.

What is the FCC “Covered List,” in plain language?

The FCC’s Covered List identifies communications equipment and services that are considered to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons. Equipment placed on the Covered List generally cannot receive new FCC equipment authorizations. FCC authorization is what allows many wireless-enabled products to be legally imported, marketed, and sold in the United States, so limiting authorization can effectively restrict new products from entering the market.

What exactly did the FCC add on December 22nd 2025?

Based on the FCC Public Notice and the accompanying national security determination:

• Foreign-produced UAS, and
• Foreign-produced “UAS critical components” with examples including data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers, ground control stations/controllers, navigation systems, batteries/smart batteries, and motors.

The determination also notes a carve-out: these items should be included on the Covered List unless the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security makes a specific determination to the FCC that a particular UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose the identified risks. As of now, however, no public procedure or guidance has been released describing how a company or stakeholder would request or support such a “specific determination,” or what evidence and review steps would be required.

What this does not do: your existing drones are not suddenly grounded

The FCC’s Fact Sheet is explicit:

• It does not affect consumers’ ability to keep using drones they already purchased or acquired.
• It does not prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models that were already approved through the FCC equipment authorization process.
• The restrictions apply to new device models going forward.

That said, it’s reasonable to expect short-term turbulence in availability, model transitions, pricing, and service pathways, especially where operations are standardized around a particular imported platform.

What this means for agriculture (California Central Coast lens)

1) Planning for the 2026 season: If you rely on drones for

• targeted sprays (spot treatments, edges, problem blocks),
• mapping/scouting,
• or custom application support,

the biggest near-term risk isn’t that your current drone stops working tomorrow, it’s that your next purchase, upgrade, or “new model” replacement may not be obtainable through normal approval channels if it’s foreign-produced.

2) Repair and parts replacement of drones may become more challenging and costly.

The determination doesn’t just target complete drones, it also flags “UAS critical components,” such as data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers, ground control stations/controllers, navigation systems, batteries and smart batteries, motors, and more. As a result, even existing foreign made drones or one’s assembled in the U.S. could face constraints if they rely on foreign-produced parts that fall within this critical-component category, potentially complicating future product updates or newly revised replacement. Over time, this could increase reliance on existing inventories, with longer lead times and higher prices for common wear items like smart batteries and motors as supply chains tighten.

Practical checklist for growers, UAS operators, and PCAs

• Inventory what you have: Write down the drone model(s) you use, when you purchased them, and the key items you depend on to keep them operational, especially batteries, chargers, controllers, and commonly replaced repair parts.
• If you plan to buy in 2026, plan earlier: If you expect to purchase additional drones next season, start planning sooner than usual. Availability of “new model” drones may tighten quickly, even if models that are already authorized can still be sold through existing channels.
• Ask vendors a direct question: When speaking with dealers or manufacturers, ask whether the exact model you’re considering is already FCC-authorized and currently marketable in the U.S. Also ask whether replacement items such as batteries, controllers, or flight/communication components, could be constrained by the FCC’s updated Covered List categories.
• Build redundancy for critical operations: For operations that cannot be delayed especially time-sensitive spray windows affected by weather, labor, and pest pressure build a backup plan. This could include securing a relationship with a service provider, keeping a second platform available, or stocking extra batteries and other high-turn consumables ahead of time.
• Don’t lose sight of drift stewardship: If the market forces a switch in platforms or hardware, expect a learning curve and do not assume performance will be identical. Re-check droplet size, swath/coverage, canopy penetration, and drift-control practices whenever you change equipment, nozzles, or operating settings.
• Look for domestically produced options: As you plan future purchases and upgrades, consider U.S.-made or domestically produced UAS and key components where possible. Domestic supply chains may offer more predictable availability, service support, and regulatory clarity as the market adjusts.

Bottom line

This FCC action is disruptive but it’s not a sudden shutdown of what’s already working in the field. The practical impact is concentrated in the next purchasing cycle and in the supply chain for “new models” and critical components. For U.S. ag-drone manufacturers and service providers, it also creates a real opening: demand is likely to shift toward platforms that can demonstrate secure supply chains and predictable regulatory status.

References:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — FACT SHEET: FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign UAS and UAS Critical Components on Going Forward Basis (Dec. 22, 2025).

DOC-416839A1 Federal Communications Commission

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — DA 25-1086: Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Addition of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS Critical Components Produced Abroad… to FCC Covered List (Released Dec. 22, 2025). FCC Docs

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — National Security Determination for UAS (Dec. 21, 2025). Federal Communications Commission

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — List of Equipment and Services Covered By Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Covered List) (FCC “Covered List” webpage). Federal Communications Commission

U.S. Congress — Public Law 118–159: Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Dec. 23, 2024) (see Section 1709). Congress.gov

The White House / Office of the Federal Register (via GovInfo) — Executive Order 14307: Unleashing American Drone Dominance (signed June 6, 2025; published June 11, 2025)