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Stay Informed:  Federal Drone Policy Updates

This page houses the latest policy briefs outlining federal actions, executive orders, and regulatory changes impacting the drone industry. Learn how evolving U.S. drone policy affects operations, manufacturing, airspace access, and national security—and what it means for agricultural and commercial drone users.

Policy Brief | Congressional Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 - 06/19/2025

This brief outlines a House bill that would bar U.S. Customs and Border Protection from using FY2026 funds to admit aerosol-dispensing drones manufactured in “foreign adversary countries,” including China. Agri Spray Drones urges coordinated advocacy—especially in the Senate—targeting key committee members and amplifying farmer voices through state-level Farm Bureau

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On The Radar: Episode 1 | 06/12/2025

Listen as Alex Ryan, Director of Regulations & Policy, walks thru recent Executive Orders and their impacts to the spray drone industry.

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Policy Brief | Executive Order 14099 - 06/09/2025

This policy brief explains Executive Order 14099, which accelerates U.S. drone innovation and integration by fast-tracking BVLOS rules, streamlining commercialization, boosting domestic production, and advancing AI and eVTOL deployment.

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Policy Brief | Executive Order 14150 - 06/09/2025

Executive Order 14150 outlines new national security measures to restrict drone operations over sensitive sites, boost enforcement, and establish a federal task force to combat UAS threats in U.S. airspace.

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Policy Brief | 06/04/2025

This brief outlines upcoming federal actions and potential restrictions on Chinese-made drone components, Agri Spray Drones' advocacy for a phased transition, and what end users can expect amid evolving regulations.

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Overview

Federal actions are rapidly unfolding that may significantly impact the availability and use of drone technology in the U.S.—especially drones that incorporate components manufactured in China. There are two primary issues:

  1. Executive Orders from the White House
    The current administration is preparing a series of executive orders intended to boost the U.S. drone manufacturing industry. These measures include:
    • Prioritizing beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations via Part 108
    • Restricting drone operations around critical infrastructure
    • Launching a joint task force to improve counterdrone security
    • Potential bans on DJI and Autel if found to pose national security risks
    • Expedited rule-making to strengthen the U.S. drone supply chain
These changes aim to reduce reliance on Chinese-made drones and enhance national security, with the potential for significant procurement and regulatory shifts. 

  1. Department of Commerce BIS Threat Assessment
    In parallel, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is developing a rule that would restrict the import of drone components from China. This includes critical parts such as:
    • Cameras, radios, and ground control stations
    • Flight controllers and autopilots

This BIS rule is advancing without a draft or public comment period, and could take effect rapidly. It’s important to note an agricultural exemption in place for autopilot units coming from China, but not specific to drones.

Agri Spray Drones' Position on Federal Policy Changes

At ASD, our mission has always been to empower rural America by making advanced, affordable ag tech -- especially spray drones -- accessible to end-users. In light of the recent federal developments, we want to be clear about where we stand and what actions we're taking. 

We support a long-term transition towards U.S.-based manufacturing -- but we believe it must be managed in a realistic, phased manner that ensures continuity for our customers, especially in agriculture and rural communities. 

1. Acknowledging National Security Concerns

We understand the national security rationale behind the Executive Orders and the BIS rule. Our commitment is to work constructively with federal agencies and the White House to support secure, American-made drone systems. 

2. Advocating for a Practical Timeline

The reality is that full U.S. manufacturing cannot happen overnight. Our outreach to federal agencies and the White House proposes the critical need to consider a multi-year phased approach:

  • Year 1: U.S.-based assembly using currently available global components
  • Your 2: Begin diversifying the supply chain
  • Year 3: Integrate more U.S.-made parts into a scalable domestic manufacturing operation

3. Ensuring Access for Rural and Agricultural Users

ASD's mission is rooted in empowering rural America through access to affordable spray drone technology. Any new policy must recognize the vital role drones play in:

  • Boosting crop yields and operational efficiency
  • Helping farmers return to the land
  • Creating rural employment opportunities

We are working to advocate for agricultural exemptions as part of any forthcoming restrictions. 

4. Clear, Honest Communication

We are committed to truthful, transparent communication with our dealers and customers. While we won't down play the challenges ahead, we also won't create unnecessary alarm. Our focus is on helping stakeholders understand what's happening, what it means, and what we are doing about it. 

5. Preparing for the Future

We are using this moment to double down on our long-term goal: building a resilient, American-made drone industry that serves farmers, contractors, and rural innovators without compromising on cost or capability. At Agri Spray Drones, our mission remains to empower rural America with advanced, affordable ag tech, particularly spray drones. Regarding recent federal developments, we aim to clarify our position and actions. We support the broader goal of a transition towards U.S.-based drone manufacturing, recognizing the importance of a realistic, phased approach that maintains service for our customers, especially in agriculture and rural communities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drones currently banned from flying?

No. The proposed restrictions only affect the import of drones and components. Existing drones in the U.S. can continue to operate as usual

Will I still be able to buy drones that contain Chinese parts?

Possibly in the short term, but new import restrictions could limit availability over time. We are monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as they unfold

What specific components are at risk under the BIS rule?

The BIS rule could impact all Chinese-made components, including cameras, radios, ground control stations, flight controllers, and autopilots—even for U.S.-assembled drones.

What is the government’s reasoning behind these changes?

These actions are part of a national security review to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, and to protect sensitive data and infrastructure

How long will it take for U.S. manufacturing to replace Chinese components?

A full shift to U.S. manufacturing is expected to take several years. A flight controller alone could take 6–10 years to develop domestically. A proposed three-year phased approach includes:

  • Initial U.S. assembly with existing parts
  • Diversification of the supply chain
  • Full-scale integration of U.S.-made components
Is there a call to action for dealers or drone users?

At this stage, the focus is on providing accurate information and supporting a smooth transition. Internal teams are working on a unified communication plan for dealers and customers.

What is being done to advocate for agricultural use exemptions?

Our Regulations Team is actively engaged in conversations with the White House, congress and other stakeholders to ensure agricultural users are considered in final rule making.

What can I do?

These orders are executive in nature, and therefore less subjective to congressional intervention. It never hurts to reach out to any connections you may have, and to continue sharing your story of how ag spray drones impact you and your local community. You can also consider joining the American Spray Drone Coalition, an organization that provides a united voice for spray drone operators in the United States.

How confident do you feel with where the company is going?

We will begin in this chapter by dealing with some general quantum mechanical ideas. Some of the statements will be quite precise, others only partially precise. It will be hard to tell you as we go along which is which, but by the time you have finished the rest of the book, you will understand in looking back which parts hold up and which parts were only explained roughly.

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