Here is why some DJI drones are nonetheless caught at U.S. Customs

If you happen to’ve had hassle getting your arms on DJI’s latest drones recently, you’re not alone. Some DJI drones are caught at U.S. Customs.

One reader not too long ago shared their rollercoaster expertise with the brand new DJI Air 3S: after ordering straight from DJI, the drone shipped from Hong Kong, made it so far as Anchorage, Alaska—after which obtained caught in U.S. Customs. After a 10-day standstill, the client canceled the order. The package deal was in the end returned to Hong Kong.

Whereas this would possibly sound like a fluke, it’s not. DJI has now confirmed that a few of its drones are being held on the U.S. border as a consequence of what the corporate calls a “customs misunderstanding.”

“That is associated to the customs misunderstanding we first shared final October, we first shared final October,” a DJI spokesperson advised The Drone Woman, referencing DJI’s late 2024 weblog publish. “It has affected DJI’s skill to import choose drones into the USA.”

The hang-up facilities round U.S. Customs and Border Safety’s scrutiny of sure DJI drones, particularly the DJI Air 3S, which is my favourite drone for journey images. Although actual particulars stay obscure, the customs challenge centered across the Uyghur Compelled Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The legislation, which was handed in 2021, is designed to forestall merchandise made with compelled labor from coming into the U.S. market. And because it seems U.S. customs has cited that legislation as the rationale for holding up imports of choose DJI drones, together with the Air 3S. I dug into slightly extra right here should you’re desirous about studying extra.

However months later, it nonetheless means some prospects are having a tough time getting shipments in. For drone pilots making an attempt to purchase a brand new DJI drone, right here’s what it’s best to know.

If you happen to’re ready on an current DJI order…

The excellent news is that DJI says it’s actively working with U.S. Customs and has submitted all required documentation. The dangerous information? It’s a ready sport.

“At this stage, we’ve submitted all of the requested documentation, and the ball is now of their courtroom,” stated the DJI spokesperson. “We perceive the frustration amongst our prospects and are hopeful that this will likely be resolved quickly.”

Till then, prospects who purchase straight from DJI.com could proceed to see sporadic achievement—particularly for high-demand fashions just like the Air 3S.

DJI says that orders from DJI.com are often fulfilled from native warehouses, however relying on stock, they might ship from abroad. And if it ships from overseas, there’s an opportunity it may get held up like our reader’s.

What about shopping for from third-party retailers?

Shopping for from a U.S.-based retailer like Drone Nerds or B&H Photograph would possibly appear to be a safer wager which may give you the results you want. That stated, even some U.S. retailers have restricted inventory proper now and are asking prospects to pay upfront for preorders, with no assured supply date.

Briefly: if you would like your DJI drone now, it’s a little bit of a chance — regardless of the place you purchase.

DJI Care Refresh and repairs: are components in danger too?

Whereas the problem proper now appears targeted on new drones coming into the nation, readers additionally raised considerations about alternative components and the DJI Care Refresh program. Might tariff problems or customs delays have an effect on your skill to get repairs?

DJI didn’t provide many specifics right here, however acknowledged it’s nonetheless assessing the impression of tariffs on prospects who want repairs or alternative components below DJI Care Refresh.

“We’re nonetheless assessing the impression of tariffs internally and can comply with up when we’ve extra data to share,” the spokesperson stated.

Similar goes for whether or not DJI will modify pricing or provide chain methods in response to ongoing U.S.-China commerce tensions.

What ought to drone pilots do now?

If you happen to’re available in the market for a brand new drone, right here’s what I’d suggest:

• Be ready for delays when ordering from DJI.com till the customs challenge is totally resolved. If procuring straight with DJI, be ready for potential delays or cancellations.
• Name forward to U.S. retailers earlier than inserting an order to verify in-stock availability, and perceive their return or cancellation insurance policies for preorders.
• Don’t low cost your outdated drone simply but. One among my readers simply obtained their DJI Air 2 out of a tree—the place it had been caught for months—and after slightly DW-40 and new props, it’s flying like a champ.

In different phrases: in case your drone nonetheless works, this can be time to understand what you’ve obtained—and possibly maintain off on upgrading till DJI’s customs headache clears.

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