DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Unavailable to Drone Pilots in the US

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is here. It’s sleek, it’s powerful, and it’s arguably the most advanced consumer drone DJI has ever released. But if you’re in the United States, you’ve probably already realized something: you can’t buy it. After reading this, I hope you’ll have a better understanding of why that is.

Limited Purchase Options

A few vendors offer a pre-order option, but with no actual delivery dates in sight. DJI has stated they are not sending drones to these vendors. These vendors are somehow planning to get these drones from other sources. Also, you can’t buy them directly from DJI, and nobody knows when they’ll be available on their site. Many people have been blaming DJI, but to assume that DJI is intentionally restricting sales in the United States of their most anticipated drone in years is asinine.

Complex and Political Reasons

While theories are flying, from supply chain issues to tariff complications, the truth is a little more complicated and a lot more political. I often say I don’t like to talk about politics all the time, but here we are again. Today, we’re diving deep into why the Mavic 4 Pro is being blocked from US buyers, the role U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Commerce are playing, and how the conversation around DJI is tied into international surveillance, human rights issues, and an ongoing tech Cold War.

Features of the Mavic 4 Pro

This drone is an absolute powerhouse, featuring a 4/3 CMOS sensor, beautiful 10-bit color depth, improved low-light capabilities, longer flight times, and an overhauled obstacle avoidance system. Add to that the next-gen O4 Plus transmission system with extended range and stability, and you’ve got a platform that’s not just innovative, it’s revolutionary. But despite its global release, the Mavic 4 Pro is conspicuously missing from the U.S. market, and it’s not a coincidence.

Import Restrictions

Shipments of many DJI drones, including the Mavic 4 Pro, are reportedly being blocked at U.S. ports by Customs and Border Protection, based on guidance from other government agencies, including the Department of Commerce. The reasoning comes down to two core allegations: national security threats due to potential data transmission to China and DJI’s alleged involvement in surveillance programs tied to human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang region.

National Security Concerns

The idea that DJI drones might capture sensitive imagery or location data in the United States and send it back to the Chinese government has been floating around for years. To date, no verifiable public evidence has been produced to confirm this. Some reference a 2017 issue, which DJI quickly addressed, and there have been no verified issues since. Every claim about compromised data remains conjecture based on what could happen. DJI has implemented safeguards, including a local data mode that prevents internet communication during flights and a special government-edition firmware, created with American cybersecurity firms, that locks down all external communications. Despite this, the fear persists, influencing military procurement policies and import restrictions like the one blocking the Mavic 4 Pro.

Human Rights Allegations

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce added DJI to its Entity List, restricting U.S. companies from exporting technology to them without a license. DJI was accused of providing technology to Chinese security forces used for surveillance in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where the Chinese government has been criticized for detaining over a million Uyghurs and others in reeducation camps. According to the Commerce Department, DJI drones and imaging tech facilitated these large-scale surveillance operations, raising major ethical and geopolitical concerns. DJI has denied involvement, stating their products are for civilian use and they do not control how third parties apply their technology. Regardless, the U.S. Government‘s position remains firm, contributing to the import block affecting the Mavic 4 Pro.

Impact on Consumers

While protecting human rights and national security is unquestionably important, many in the Drone Industry feel these actions lack transparency and punish end users—photographers, filmmakers, and First Responders—without a clear path forward. What’s more frustrating for pilots is the lack of alternatives. American-made drones lag in camera quality, flight performance, and software stability, and the few options available are significantly more expensive, sometimes double the price for less capability.

Protectionism or Security?

This leads some to believe the restrictions are not just about ethics or security but also protectionism. By sidelining DJI, the world leader in drones, the U.S. may be trying to give domestic manufacturers room to grow. Until those manufacturers can compete, American drone pilots are caught in the crossfire. Some have found questionable workarounds, like importing the Mavic 4 Pro through overseas contacts or resellers in Canada or Mexico, but these come with risks like shipping delays, warranty issues, and potential seizure by CBP at the border. Others are simply left waiting, unsure if or when they’ll fly DJI’s latest flagship drone.

Broader Implications

If a consumer product can be banned without public evidence, it sets a dangerous precedent. The drone community deserves answers and options. If you’re concerned, let your voice be heard. Write to your representatives and support organizations like the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Demand clarity, not conjecture, and decisions based on verifiable facts, not political fear. Drone pilots want to fly, create, and work safely and securely without being pulled into international policy battles.

Call to Action

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro may be grounded in the U.S. for now, but the fight to keep the skies open for everyone is just getting started. Share your thoughts on how you think this will play out, and consider supporting channels that provide valuable information on this issue. Have a great day, everyone, and as always, fly safe and fly smart.