On January 7, 2026, the FCC issued a follow-up public notice that builds on its decision on December 22, 2025, which automatically added all foreign-produced drones (UAS) and foreign-produced "UAS critical components" to the FCC's covered list. The latest January 7 update does not overturn the December decision. Instead, it establishes two temporary exemptions that will allow certain drones and components to continue seeking FCC equipment authorization for new models through December 31, 2026 (January 1, 2027).
The first exemption applies to UAS and UAS critical components on the Defense Contract Management Agency's (DCMA) "Blue UAS" list. Simply put, this is a collection of drones and key components that have undergone more rigorous federal review, including cybersecurity and hardware checks. The FCC also clarifies that "Blue UAS" refers to both the Blue UAS Cleared List (approved platforms) and the Blue UAS Framework (approved components and software).
The second exemption applies to UAS and UAS critical components classified as "domestic end products" under the Buy American Standard. According to this statute, a product can be classified as a "domestic end product" if it meets two requirements: it must be manufactured in the United States and contain a sufficient number of U.S.-made components (by cost). For most manufactured products, the U.S. component cost must be greater than 65% through 2028 and greater than 75% beginning in 2029. For products made primarily or entirely of iron or steel, the standard is stricter: foreign iron or steel must account for less than 5% of the total component cost.
In practice, the FCC continues to treat foreign-produced drones and critical components as a national-security supply-chain concern, but it has opened two narrow pathways: Blue UAS and Buy American "domestic end products" that can still qualify for new FCC approvals in 2026. This carve-out is only temporary and will be reassessed before the January 1, 2027 deadline.
For farmers, PCAs, and other stakeholders, the day-to-day guidance for 2026 remains largely unchanged: you can continue to use drones you already own for spraying and mapping, and you can usually repair and replace parts with systems and components that are already approved and available. The greatest risk remains in future purchases and upgrades, so exercise caution when purchasing new equipment, planning repairs, and selecting platforms, especially if you may require parts quickly during the season. Along with the steps outlined in the previous post, ask vendors a few simple questions before you buy:
- Is this exact model already FCC-approved and legal for sale in the United States?
- Does it fall under the Blue UAS exemption or the Buy American domestic end product exemption in 2026?
- If something fails during the season, will you have controllers, batteries/smart batteries, and motors on hand, and are they the same approved models (not a new revision)?
References:
FCC Public Notice (DA 26-22): The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announces the exemption of certain UAS and UAS critical components from the FCC Covered List (Released Jan. 7, 2026).
FCC Public Notice (DA 25-1086) Addition of UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad to FCC Covered List (Released Dec. 22, 2025).