Summary of FCC Public Notice DA 26-588: Removal of Toy Drones from the Covered List
Released on June 15, 2026, this Public Notice from the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) announces the removal of a specific class of foreign-produced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), designated as "Toy Drones" and "Toy Drones that contain foreign-produced components," from the FCC’s Covered List. This list identifies equipment and services that pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.
Scope and Impact on Certification
The regulation clarifies that "Toy Drones," as defined by the Department of War (DoW), do not present the national security risks associated with more sophisticated UAS. Consequently, these devices are no longer subject to the restrictions and prohibitions applied to equipment on the Covered List, which typically includes a ban on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granting equipment authorizations for such devices.
Technical Specifications and Criteria for "Toy Drones"
For a radio device to be classified as a "Toy Drone" and thus exempt from the Covered List, it must meet all of the following technical and operational parameters:
Weight: Maximum Take-off Weight must be equal to or less than 150 grams.
Operating Range: Operation is limited to line-of-sight, not exceeding 100 meters.
Altitude: Maximum sustained altitude must be equal to or less than 300 feet.
Speed: Maximum horizontal speed must be equal to or less than 10 meters/second.
Flight Duration: Maximum flight time must be equal to or less than 10 minutes.
Radio Frequencies: Includes a dedicated radio-frequency link between the controller and drone, typically on the 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz bands.
Frequency Restrictions: Radio frequencies and WiFi channels must not be modifiable or programmable by the user and must conform strictly to existing FCC regulatory requirements.
Navigation: Must not contain GPS/GNSS or equivalent systems (e.g., no return-to-home or waypoint missions).
Connectivity: No network capability or Internet connectivity (e.g., no mobile apps, cellular networks, or standard Wi-Fi hotspots).
Payload and Hardware: Must not contain brushless motors, imaging/sensing capabilities (cameras, microphones), or modular payload interfaces (e.g., release mechanisms, searchlights, or micro-FPV cameras).
Specific Restrictions and Exemptions
The exemption applies strictly to devices marketed explicitly as toys for recreational use. This determination does not apply to any drone produced by an entity identified in Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Furthermore, any UAS that exceeds the technical thresholds defined above remains on the Covered List if produced in a foreign country.
Testing and Conformity Assessment
While "Toy Drones" are removed from the Covered List, they must still comply with standard FCC equipment authorization procedures. The FCC staff will provide specific guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test laboratories, and equipment authorization applicants regarding the impact of these updates. Manufacturers must ensure that the RF links (typically 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz) are locked and non-programmable to maintain their status as exempt "Toy Drones."
Modification of Existing Regulations
This Public Notice modifies the FCC Covered List, which was previously updated on December 22, 2025 (via Public Notice DA 25-1086), to include all foreign-produced UAS. This action specifically amends that entry to exempt "Toy Drones" as defined herein. This determination remains in effect unless superseded by a future national security determination from the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security.
