The US goverment has added the Chinese drone manufacturer Autel Robotics to its so-called `Entity List´ - a list containing foreign individuals, organizations, and companies that are thought to endanger the country´s national security - according to a statement from lawmakers. This ban will stop the Chinese company from exporting their products and face licensing requirement issues for certain technologies and accessories.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has been updating the Entity List since 1997 to keep the public informed of any entity opposing the national security or foreign policy interests of the US.  

A blow for Autel Robotics?

Autel will not be able to access or transfer technologies from the US due to this blacklisting. The drone company will have all its transactions denied while it´s on the US goverment Entity List. However, Autel drone users can still buy its drones, but Autel cannot buy US technology.  

John Moolenar and Elise Stefanik, Chairman of the House Select Committee and Congresswoman respectively, declared the following joint statement: `Following our advocacy, the Commerce Department added malign Chinese controlled drone maker, Autel, to its government blacklist. No American should support companies like DJI and Autel that are arming Communist China and have the ability to spy on American soil. While this is a strong first step, the Senate must now take up and pass the House-passed Countering CCP Drones Act and ban the introduction of new CCP-linked drones from American skies.´

Lawmakers insisted on this blacklisting stating that Autel and its affiliates are related to the People´s Liberation Army (PLA) as showed in one of their job posts looking for a military industry sales director, which threatens the US´ national security.

Autel Robotics responded by denying the allegations while following ethical practices with international regulations. The Chinese company claims that they are against the use of drone products in military operations or services. Also, the drones are used for civilian use and not intended for military purposes.

Autel´s current blacklisting decision by the US lawmakers is not the first towards Chinese companies. DJI, the giant drone manufacturer was also banned from the US, as the country seeks maintaining its national security and clear any risks of espionage or surveillance. The current situation will heighten tensions between the countries, as many industries rely heavily on Autel robotics and DJI´s products for their daily use.

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