Overview
Effective December 22, 2025, a federal ban will prohibit the purchase and operation of drones manufactured or assembled by designated foreign entities for federally funded university projects.
Background
On November 12, 2024, the federal government prohibited the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, also known as drones) that are manufactured or assembled by designated foreign entities. This restriction is outlined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.240-1. This FAR clause, along with Department of Defense (DOD) 1260H restrictions, imposes strict limitations on drones associated with certain foreign entities, including popular brands like DJI (Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co. Ltd.)
What does this mean?
Effective December 22, 2025, the procurement of drones manufactured or assembled by entities designated as "American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entities" (ASDA-covered entities) will be prohibited. In addition, federal contractors, including Mizzou, may not use or operate any drones from these ASDA-covered entities for federally funded contracts. Federal funds may not be used to acquire, operate or deliver these restricted drones. This prohibition includes the use of third-party drone services for university business involving federal funding.
The DOD 1260H list of prohibited entities includes several popular drone manufacturers, including:
- DJI (Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co. Ltd.)
- Autel Robotics Co., Ltd.
- Aerospace CH UAV Co., Ltd.
- Chengdu JOUAV Automation Tech Co., Ltd. (JOUAV)
To ensure compliance, the DOD has published a list of drone manufacturers that have been cleared by the federal government. After December 22, 2025, drones must be purchased from one of the companies listed on the Blue UAS Cleared List to avoid any violations.
The use of existing Mizzou-owned-or-operated drones from ASDA-covered entities, including third-party service drones, may continue after December 22, 2025, for university business not associated with federal contracts that include FAR clause 52.240-1.
Please ensure that all current and future drone-related purchases and operations are reviewed for compliance with this regulation. If you have any questions or need assistance identifying compliant vendors or equipment, please contact exportcontrols@missouri.edu.
As a reminder, the use of unmanned aircraft systems on or above campus property must comply with Environmental Health & Safety policy. Visit the Mizzou Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) webpage to learn more.