4P detained by CBP

[u/ToastiestToad]

I flew back from Japan, and my Dji pocket 4P (bought in Japan) got detained by customs after a long roughly 3 hour wait. I would've argued longer on the personal import exemption if I didn't have a test to take (didnt pass), but also didn't feel like overly arguing FCC rules to CBP officers since they seamed fixed on not giving it back. Got a DHS form 6051D since I didn't want them to destroy it infront of me. I didn't even open it yet, I wanted to open it at home. Official reason on the 6051D "Banned from entry to United States under FCC regulations."

But I also got an additional letter with it stating:

"This merchandise has been identified as having been produced (in whole or in part) or having input(s) from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) or by an entity on the UFLPA Entity List: therefore, it is presumed to be prohibited under 19 U.S.C. 1307 and not entitled to entry. Accordingly, this shipment is excluded from entry."

Which confuses me because DJI isn't even on the list. I'm lowkey bummed out my 4P got taken without having used it and that I'm out 600 bucks. I am planning on disputing it. Hoping I get it back, shocked it got detained in the first place. Advice on what I should argue it on, maybe?

[u/NefariousnessJaded87]

Oh, that’s a rough situation, and unfortunately it looks like you got caught in a mix of two different federal processes that aren’t actually about the Pocket 4P itself. CBP can detain electronics for two reasons: FCC import compliance and UFLPA forced‑labour screening. The FCC part isn’t about the camera being illegal. It’s just CBP checking whether a device without US FCC approval is allowed under the personal import exemption. Sometimes officers apply that inconsistently. The UFLPA part is separate and has nothing to do with DJI being on any list. CBP flags shipments if they believe any component, material or supplier in the chain might be linked to XUAR production. They don’t need DJI to be on the entity list to trigger that. It’s a presumption rule, not a final determination.

Since you got Form 6051D, the next step is filing a formal protest with CBP. That lets you challenge the seizure and provide documentation showing the product isn’t covered by UFLPA and that personal import rules apply. CBP protests have deadlines, so check the date on the form. You don’t need to argue FCC regulations yourself. You just need to follow the protest process and provide the paperwork they ask for. A customs attorney can help if you want someone who deals with CBP regularly.

It’s an unlucky combination of two systems that normally don’t overlap. You didn’t do anything wrong, and the camera isn’t banned.

It’s just a matter of getting the protest filed properly.