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

For those who’ve had bother getting your palms on DJI’s latest drones these days, 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 immediately from DJI, the drone shipped from Hong Kong, made it so far as Anchorage, Alaska—after which bought caught in U.S. Customs. After a 10-day standstill, the shopper canceled the order. The bundle was finally 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 on account 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 informed 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, specifically the DJI Air 3S, which is my favourite drone for journey pictures. Although precise particulars stay imprecise, the customs problem centered across the Uyghur Pressured Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The regulation, which was handed in 2021, is designed to forestall merchandise made with compelled labor from getting into the U.S. market. And because it seems U.S. customs has cited that regulation as the explanation for holding up imports of choose DJI drones, together with the Air 3S. I dug into a bit extra right here should you’re focused on studying extra.

However months later, it nonetheless means some clients 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 you need to know.

For those who’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 court docket,” mentioned the DJI spokesperson. “We perceive the frustration amongst our clients and are hopeful that this shall be resolved quickly.”

Till then, clients who purchase immediately from DJI.com might proceed to see sporadic success—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 might 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 seem to be a safer guess that may be just right for you. That mentioned, even some U.S. retailers have restricted inventory proper now and are asking clients to pay upfront for preorders, with no assured supply date.

In brief: in order for you your DJI drone now, it’s a little bit of a chance — irrespective of the place you purchase.

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

Whereas the difficulty proper now appears targeted on new drones getting into the nation, readers additionally raised issues about substitute components and the DJI Care Refresh program. May tariff problems or customs delays have an effect on your skill to get repairs?

DJI didn’t supply many specifics right here, however acknowledged it’s nonetheless assessing the affect of tariffs on clients who want repairs or substitute components beneath DJI Care Refresh.

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

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

What ought to drone pilots do now?

For those who’re available in the market for a brand new drone, right here’s what I’d advocate:

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

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

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