The U.S. government has halted imports of certain drones from Chinese manufacturer DJI, the company announced on Wednesday. This decision stems from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), as outlined in a previously undisclosed letter obtained by Reuters.
In the letter, DJI informed its distributors that Customs is withholding some drone shipments under the UFLPA, which aims to address forced labor issues. DJI, which commands over half of the drone market in the U.S., firmly denies any involvement of forced labor in its manufacturing processes. The company stated it is actively providing documentation to Customs to prove compliance with the UFLPA.
DJI described the action as part of a wider initiative by the Department of Homeland Security to closely examine the origins of products, particularly regarding drones manufactured in China. The company labeled the claims as “unsubstantiated and categorically false,” asserting that the law allows for the withholding of goods without concrete evidence.
Concerns about DJI drones extend beyond labor issues. U.S. lawmakers have raised alarms about potential data transmission, surveillance, and national security risks associated with the devices, allegations that DJI refutes. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prohibit the operation of new DJI drones within the country, with the bill now awaiting Senate consideration.
Additionally, the Commerce Department is exploring restrictions on Chinese drones, potentially leading to a ban similar to those proposed for Chinese vehicles. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the examination of drones equipped with Chinese and Russian technology during a recent interview with CNBC.
The UFLPA, enacted in June 2022, aims to combat forced labor abuses, particularly against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in China’s Xinjiang region. It prohibits the import of goods produced entirely or partially in Xinjiang or by certain identified entities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this matter.
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