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U.S. Lawmakers Probe DJI 'Passthrough' Companies Ahead of Drone Ban

As the DJI drone ban looms, lawmakers are cracking down on companies that may be helping the Chinese giant skirt U.S. rules. Limited support and uncertain warranties could leave customers in the lurch.

,   and  Administrator
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In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag...
In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag and "Critical Licence" written.

U.S. Lawmakers Probe DJI 'Passthrough' Companies Ahead of Drone Ban

U.S. lawmakers are scrutinizing the activities of several companies suspected of acting as 'passthroughs' for DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer. These companies, including Anzu Robotics, Cogito Tech, and WaveGo Tech LLC, have submitted DJI-based drones to the FCC, raising concerns about potential circumvention of U.S. regulations and export controls.

The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a ban on DJI drones in the U.S., set to take effect in December 2024. To keep their technology available in the U.S., DJI is creating shell companies, which may offer limited support and uncertain warranties. One such company, Anzu Robotics, sells the Raptor drone based on the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise through a licensing agreement with DJI. However, some U.S. lawmakers are skeptical about Anzu's licensing deal with DJI.

Fikaxo, a shell company using sophisticated tactics to hide its connections to DJI, employs strategies like rebranding, modifying product markings, and routing operations through subsidiaries and shell companies. Other DJI shell companies identified include Cogito Tech Company, WaveGo Tech LLC, SZ Knowact Robot Technology Co. Ltd, Skyhigh Tech LLC, and Jovistar Inc. These companies have submitted DJI-based drones to the FCC, with documents revealing overlaps in hardware or firmware with DJI, indicating they function as 'passthroughs' to sell DJI drones under different names.

As the deadline for the DJI drone ban in the U.S. approaches, lawmakers are investigating companies suspected of acting as shell companies for DJI. These companies may offer limited support and uncertain warranties, and their tactics could potentially circumvent U.S. regulations and export controls. Further scrutiny is needed to ensure compliance with the upcoming ban.

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