Updated: Jul 22
The DJI Squeeze: How U.S. Film Drone Providers Are Getting Grounded in 2025
DJI Ban and Its Impact on Drone Companies in the Film Industry
If you've tried to buy, rent, or repair a DJI drone in the United States recently, you’ve probably noticed something troubling: they’re nowhere to be found. DJI, the most widely used drone brand in professional film and television, is facing major import disruptions that are now affecting drone providers across the U.S.
Despite widespread belief, DJI is not officially banned in the U.S.—yet. However, ongoing customs enforcement actions and looming legislation have created a supply chain bottleneck that has grounded many drone operators, especially in the film industry.
Why Are DJI Drones Unavailable in the U.S.?
The core of the problem stems from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). DJI drones, although manufactured in Shenzhen and Malaysia, have been detained or delayed at U.S. ports due to suspicions of supply chain links to China’s Xinjiang region.
DJI denies the allegations, but the result is the same: delays in shipments, lack of inventory, and major gaps in parts availability. Drone retailers like B&H, Adorama, and Best Buy have reported extensive stockouts, and newer models, like the Mavic 4 Pro, have yet to reach U.S. customers at all.
The DJI Squeeze: How Drone Providers in the Film Industry Are Being Affected
Film Drone Companies Hit Hard by DJI Restrictions
For drone companies that serve the film and television industry, the DJI squeeze is more than an inconvenience, it’s a business threat. Systems like the DJI Inspire 3 have become essential tools for capturing high-end cinematic content. They’re capable of shooting 8K RAW, handling interchangeable lenses, and integrating seamlessly with industry-standard color pipelines.
Many drone providers have made significant financial investments into DJI platforms, often spending $15,000–$20,000+ per Inspire 3 kit, not including backup parts and accessories. These aren’t side hustles, they’re core production assets.
Now, without access to new drones or even basic repair parts, companies are being forced to ground aircraft, delay jobs, or make difficult decisions about safety and reliability.
Safety Risks from Lack of Access to DJI Parts and Repairs
How the DJI Squeeze Creates Maintenance and Safety Concerns for
Film Sets
Even the most advanced drones require regular maintenance. Batteries degrade, motors fail, gimbals get damaged and without access to manufacturer parts, routine service becomes impossible. This puts drone companies in a precarious position: do they delay shoots, or fly equipment that may not be 100% safe?
For film and commercial production environments, that’s not a question you want to be asking on set.
The current parts shortage is creating a new kind of risk, one that compromises safety, increases liability, and jeopardizes the integrity of production timelines. For drone providers, it’s a daily juggling act, trying to stay in the air without cutting corners.
DJI Ban Rumors: What the Future Holds
Will DJI Be Officially Banned in the U.S.?
As of now, DJI is not banned, but legislation is moving in that direction. Under the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), DJI will be subject to a national security review. If this review is not completed by December 23, 2025, DJI could be added to the FCC Covered List, which would block new authorizations and halt future imports.
If that happens, the current shortage will evolve into a full-blown supply crisis.
No Real Alternatives for Film-Grade Drone Work
While there are emerging U.S.-based drone companies, no alternative currently matches DJI’s performance, cost, or cinematic features. Systems from Sony, Freefly, or Inspired Flight either lack the camera integration film sets require, or they come at a price point inaccessible for most small-to-medium-sized operators.
As a result, drone providers in the film industry are locked into the DJI ecosystem, but they’re now cut off from the tools they need to sustain that workflow.
How Film Drone Providers Are Adapting
Many professional drone companies are responding by:
Stockpiling DJI batteries, propellers, and cables
Seeking third-party or refurbished gear for continuity
Enhancing communication with producers about gear risks
Scheduling preventative maintenance ahead of time
Considering camera car or handheld gimbal alternatives where feasible
But these are short-term solutions to what looks increasingly like a long-term disruption.
Final Thoughts: DJI Ban and the Ongoing Strain on the U.S. Film Drone Industry
What the DJI Squeeze Means for Drone Companies Moving Forward
This isn’t just a story about a supply chain glitch, it’s about the future of aerial cinematography in the United States. For now, DJI is still technically allowed in the U.S., but drone companies are already experiencing the consequences of political uncertainty and customs blockades.
As this article explores, The DJI Squeeze: How U.S. Film Drone Providers Are Getting Grounded in 2025 is more than a headline, it’s a real and growing operational crisis. The film industry relies on precision tools, reliable performance, and consistent availability. With DJI drones stuck at the border and no domestic substitute in sight, aerial production is entering uncharted airspace.
At AIRWOLF, we usually like to keep things positive, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, creative breakthroughs, and what it’s like to fly drones on set. But with the recent DJI supply disruptions, we felt it was important to speak up. This situation isn’t just a headline, it’s something that’s affecting us directly, and we know many others in the industry are feeling it too. If you're facing similar challenges, you're not alone.
If your film or commercial production depends on drones, now is the time to plan ahead—because the DJI squeeze is real, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Have you been affected by the DJI import situation? Drop your thoughts or workarounds in the comments, we’re stronger together.
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