Important: This table is provided for general awareness only and does not replace official federal determinations or agency-specific guidance. Manufacturer status may change, and additional entities may be designated as covered foreign entities by the U.S. government. Researchers must consult the UNH Contracts and Export Controls office before procuring or using any UAS (e.g. drones) for federally funded research.
| Manufacturer | Country / Region | General Federal Risk Status* | Notes for Researchers |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) | China | High Risk / Commonly Restricted | Frequently cited in federal restrictions; widely used legacy equipment may be impacted |
| Autel Robotics | China | High Risk / Commonly Restricted | Often grouped with DJI in federal and state prohibitions |
| Parrot | France | Generally Lower Risk | Some models discontinued; verify assembly location and components |
| Skydio | United States | Generally Permitted | Widely adopted for government and research use |
| AeroVironment | United States | Generally Permitted | Common in defense and federally supported research |
| Freefly Systems | United States | Generally Permitted | Primarily professional and research-grade systems |
| Teledyne FLIR (UAS platforms) | United States | Generally Permitted | Often used with research sensors and payloads |
| SenseFly (AgEagle subsidiary) | United States / Switzerland | Generally Permitted | Verify specific model and assembly location |
| Yuneec | China | High Risk / Commonly Restricted | Often included in covered or restricted manufacturer lists |
| Microdrones | Germany | Generally Lower Risk | Confirm supply chain and assembly details |
| Holy Stone | China | High Risk / Commonly Restricted | Consumer-grade drones; typically non-compliant |
| Hubsan | China | High Risk / Commonly Restricted | Consumer-grade drones; typically non-compliant |
* “General Federal Risk Status” reflects common treatment across U.S. federal agencies and publicly available guidance as of this writing. Final determinations depend on the specific funding agency, award terms, and applicable federal lists.
Recommended Best Practices
- Do not rely solely on brand name — verify the manufacturer and assembly location of each UAS model
- Check whether the manufacturer appears on federal exclusion, restriction, or watch lists
- Maintain documentation of compliance for audits
- If in doubt, consult with Export Controls at exportcontrols@unh.edu
Victor Sosa, Director
Contracts & Export Controls
Phone: (603) 862-2001
Email: victor.sosa@unh.edu
Melissa McGee, Assistant Director
Research Integrity Services
Phone: (603) 862-2005
Email: melissa.mcgee@unh.edu
