ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Blocked from US Market Amid FCC Ban and Government Audit Failure

other · 2026-04-17

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is unavailable in the United States, marking a significant shift from previous product launches where US retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama still stocked DJI items despite official restrictions. This change stems from a Federal Communications Commission decision in December 2025 that added DJI to its Covered List, banning imports of drones and parts over national security concerns, though no specific threats were identified. DJI has sued the FCC, arguing the listing is procedurally flawed and violates constitutional and federal law. Additionally, an automatic ban was triggered when US government agencies failed to conduct a mandated audit by December 2025, as required by the NDAA provision from late 2024, despite DJI's repeated outreach. DJI's spokesperson noted in February 2026 that the company was never given a chance to address concerns, and the new wording on product availability explicitly states authorization is pending. US retailers such as Best Buy and Target also lack the Osmo Pocket 4, forcing content creators to rely on older models like the Pocket 3. The situation suggests a new normal where future DJI products may be barred unless approvals were secured earlier, with a teased drone possibly exempt. This development follows a year of DJI noting non-availability in press releases, but the Osmo Pocket 4 represents the first product denied entry entirely.

Key facts

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is not available in the US market due to pending authorization.
  • US retailers B&H Photo and Adorama do not have the Osmo Pocket 4 in stock.
  • The Federal Communications Commission added DJI to its Covered List in December 2025, banning imports.
  • DJI has sued the FCC over the listing, claiming it is procedurally and substantively flawed.
  • A US government audit mandated by the NDAA in late 2024 was not completed by December 2025.
  • DJI reached out to relevant US agencies but no audit was performed, triggering an automatic ban.
  • DJI's spokesperson stated the company was never given a chance to address national security concerns.
  • US content creators may have to use older models like the DJI Pocket 3 instead.

Entities

Institutions

  • DJI
  • Federal Communications Commission
  • B&H Photo
  • Adorama
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • PetaPixel

Locations

  • United States

Sources