New FCC Ruling - Ban on Radio Gear Imports?

[RCSubGuy]

Still researching this, but certainly something we need to keep aprised of intently:

Link to FCC Ruling

Summary

DJI Ban	NDAA-triggered federal restriction if no security audit by deadline	Trigger passed → restriction in effect
FCC UAS Critical Components Rule	Broader FCC policy adding foreign drones and key parts to Covered List	Now in effect
Effect on Hobby Flying	Existing drones okay; new imports blocked	Yes, new imports blocked
Effect on Components (controller, motors, batteries)	Treated same as drones	Blocked for new imports

Bottom line (plain English)


The FCC action you’re hearing about is UAS-specific and radio-authorization-specific.
It does not create a general ban on motors, batteries, ESCs, controllers, or other electronics used in RC submarines unless those items themselves contain radio transmitters that require FCC certification and are explicitly marketed as UAS (drone) components.


What is not covered


The FCC does not regulate:

• Motors
• Batteries
• ESCs
• Power distribution boards
• Non-RF controllers
• Sensors
• Pressure systems
• Submerged or tethered systems

unless those items contain an intentional radio transmitter.

There is no FCC authority to ban:

• A brushless motor
• A LiPo battery
• A generic microcontroller
• A CAN, PWM, UART, or I²C device

Those components fall outside FCC jurisdiction entirely.
How this applies to RC submarines (your actual concern)

✅ Batteries

• Not regulated by FCC
• No issue importing, selling, or using them
• Drone headlines are irrelevant here

✅ Motors & ESCs

• Not regulated by FCC
• Treated the same whether used in drones, boats, cars, or subs

⚠️ Radio gear (this is the only relevant area)


This was already true before the drone situation:

• Any receiver, transmitter, telemetry module, or modem must:
  • Have FCC authorization or
  • Be imported under an existing compliance pathway (Part 15, Part 95, experimental, etc.)

If you are already using:

• FrSky
• ELRS
• Crossfire
• 900 MHz / 2.4 GHz / 433 MHz systems

…nothing has changed unless:

1. The device is newly seeking FCC authorization, and
2. It is explicitly marketed as a UAS/drone radio system, and
3. The manufacturer is on the Covered List

Most RC submarine radios are not marketed or classified as UAS equipment, even if drones also use them.

[Das Boot]

A bill passed the House over a year ago. H.R.2864/S.4792, (look it up), and with bipartisan support, overwhelmingly passed in September 2024. However, it did not pass the Senate before the 118th Congress concluded, and therefore did not become law. Chinese manufacturers knew what was about to happen, and they were given time to make a case that they would not be put on “the covered list”. They didn’t. So now the FCC has put them on the list, officially. It fits into a larger national security debate about technology, data security, and foreign adversaries, which can touch upon high-profile events where drones are used, like the Olympics. However, the Olympics were not mentioned in the bill, which I have read. So how did the FCC ban NEW drones made by DJI in the United States? Well, the FCC has the authority under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2020 to maintain a "Covered List" of communications equipment and services deemed an unacceptable national security risk. (H.R. 4998 was introduced in the House on November 8, 2019, by Rep Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6). On December 16, 2019, the House, considered the bill under suspension of the rules and passed it. The Senate passed the bill by voice vote on February 27, 2020). The bill was then signed into law by the president. And that concludes our history lesson. I just wanted everyone to know that this was not a fly by night, thought up in the last day or so rule issued by the FCC. As you see, this has been going on for years. Lastly I’ll say this, I don’t give two ****s about RC submarines when it comes to the national security of our country. Everyone with half a brain knows what the Chinese are up to, and have been up to for decades. They invent nothing, and steal everything.

[RCSubGuy]

Clarification: The FCC ruling is new, and while somewhat tied to the previous bill you cited, it is completely different and far broader in reach.

I'm glad you're sleeping easy with the idea of the vast majority of our required equipment potentially being restricted. As someone who makes a living from these components, I'm not quite so blase about it. Fortunately, at least for now, the restrictions do not appear to affect us, but it's good to keep an eye on regardless.

[Das Boot]

Clarification: The FCC ruling is new, and while somewhat tied to the previous bill you cited, it is completely different and far broader in reach.

I'm glad you're sleeping easy with the idea of the vast majority of our required equipment potentially being restricted. As someone who makes a living from these components, I'm not quite so blase about it. Fortunately, at least for now, the restrictions do not appear to affect us, but it's good to keep an eye on regardless.

Yes, not related to H.R. 2864, but is related to H.R. 4998. 4998 cannot and does not restrict purchasing radio equipment for personal use. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of communications equipment or services from a company that poses a national security risk to U.S. communications networks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must publish and maintain a list of such equipment or services. In other words, anyone is prohibited from purchasing equipment, especially drones, to link up with equipment run by the government. However, further imports will be banned. The ban appears to affect DJI's entire product lineup including drones, gimbals, microphones, action cameras and filmmaking equipment. But, as I read it, not only DJI, but Spektrum, Futaba, FrSky, Jeti, FlySky, Graupner, VBar, Spirit and the whole EdgeTX and ELRS community, are also affected and can no longer certify any new products, based on how it is defined.
Officially, it’s a way to close loopholes and protect US networks from backdoors in Chinese telecom gear. (I’ve never seen an RC sub connect to a network). However, will restrictions include transmitters and receivers? Looking at some of the drone sites, the regulars are crying doom and gloom, saying batteries and motors will come under the restriction. Of course, some folks love borrowing trouble.