DJI Circumvents U.S. Ban with Shell Companies, Raising Concerns
DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, is facing a U.S. ban by December 2024. To circumvent this, DJI is creating shell companies, raising concerns about support, warranty, quality, and legal issues. Meanwhile, companies like Anzu Robotics and Fikaxo are using unique strategies to operate in this grey area.
DJI's shell companies, such as Cogito Tech, WaveGo Tech, and SZ Knowact, aim to bypass U.S. export controls and FCC rules. However, buying drones from these entities may pose risks like limited support, uncertain warranties, and inconsistent quality control.
Anzu Robotics stands out by developing software independently and partnering with U.S.-based companies. It sells the Raptor drone, based on the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, through a licensing agreement with DJI. Despite this, some U.S. lawmakers question Anzu's legitimacy.
Fikaxo, another player, uses tactics like rebranding and routing operations through subsidiaries to operate in the grey area. Its sophisticated methods make it difficult to trace connections back to DJI.
As the December 2024 deadline for the DJI drone ban in the U.S. approaches, companies are finding creative ways to continue operations. However, consumers should be aware of the potential risks and uncertainties when purchasing drones from these shell companies. Lawmakers continue to scrutinize these arrangements, leaving the future uncertain.
