US seeks public input on drone supply chain rules

The US Department of Commerce is calling on Americans to weigh in on new measures aimed at securing the nation’s drone supply chain. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to address potential national security risks associated with the information and communications technology and services (ICTS) used in drones. Public comments are open until March 4, 2025.

This initiative highlights concerns over foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, exploiting vulnerabilities in the drone supply chain to access sensitive US data. The Commerce Department seeks feedback on several critical areas: definitions of drones and their components, assessments of risks posed by different foreign adversaries, potential economic impacts of regulations, and viable mitigation strategies.

“Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to safeguarding our national security. This ANPRM is an essential step in protecting the United States from vulnerabilities posed by foreign entities,” says US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. BIS Under Secretary Alan F. Estevez echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to address vulnerabilities in the commercial drone market.

This effort builds on Executive Order 13873, empowering the Commerce Department to mitigate ICTS transactions that pose undue risks to national security or critical infrastructure.

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DJI: A major player under scrutiny

Chinese tech giant DJI, which dominates the US commercial drone market, finds itself at the center of the ongoing debate. Lawmakers have raised concerns that foreign adversaries could exploit DJI’s devices to access sensitive information. DJI has pushed back against these claims, asserting that its drones are designed for consumer and commercial use, not for espionage. The company maintains its commitment to data security, labeling the proposed restrictions as unfounded and discriminatory.

Despite these assurances, the US government’s scrutiny of DJI reflects broader concerns about foreign influence in critical technology sectors. The Commerce Department encourages Americans to share their perspectives on this critical issue before the March 4 deadline. Public input will play a pivotal role in shaping future regulations that balance national security concerns with the economic realities of the drone industry.

As drones continue to play a vital role in industries ranging from agriculture to public safety, ensuring the integrity of their supply chains is more critical than ever.

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