DJI Delivers SkyPixel Contest Prize via Third Country After US Customs Delay
Drone Photographer Receives SkyPixel Prize After Customs Delay
Joanna Steidle, a drone photographer from Southampton, has finally received her SkyPixel prize drone over a year after winning it, thanks to the assistance of another SkyPixel creator in Europe who acted as an international relay point. Steidle secured a Top 10 Photo Award in the DJI SkyPixel 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest for her image titled “Another World,” which features cownose rays approaching a school of menhaden off the Southampton coast. The prize was a Mavic 3 Pro combo.
Customs Complications and Delays
Steidle detailed her experience in a post on X on April 21, 2026. The drone and a glass trophy were held in US Customs for six months, flagged for return to China, and subsequently ended up in an Arizona warehouse. Despite efforts involving her Congressman, New York State Assemblyman, and US Customs and Border Protection, she was unable to retrieve the items.
DJI’s response two months prior was to offer a replacement: a brand-new Mavic 4 Pro combo with the RC Pro 2 controller. However, due to legal restrictions, DJI could not ship the drone directly to a US address. Instead, another SkyPixel creator, known as @DronographerEU, received the drone in Europe, completed the necessary paperwork, and forwarded it to Steidle. She incurred $750 in shipping and tariffs but did not receive the batteries or the glass award, which remain in Arizona.
Mavic 4 Pro’s Availability Issues in the US
The Mavic 4 Pro was launched globally on May 13, 2025, but DJI confirmed it would not be sold through its US store. The absence of the drone in the US market is attributed to a cumulative 170% tariff on Chinese-made drones, enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and the FCC’s suspension of new DJI equipment authorizations. As a result, the flagship drone has been unavailable for nearly a year.
In response to the situation, some pilots have sought alternatives, including traveling to Canada or purchasing from gray-market resellers. Steidle’s experience reflects a workaround facilitated by DJI, rather than individual sellers, allowing her to receive the drone through a more official channel.
Regulatory Challenges and Ongoing Litigation
Steidle’s prize was seized before the FCC added DJI to its Covered List, which occurred in 2025 amid routine enforcement against DJI packages. The regulatory environment has become increasingly stringent, with DJI recently filing a lawsuit against the FCC in the Ninth Circuit regarding import restrictions.
Customer Experience and Future Implications
Despite the challenges, Steidle expressed gratitude in her post, stating she would remain a supporter of DJI. Her positive outlook is notable given the lengthy process she endured for a warranty claim. DJI’s handling of her case, including the provision of a more valuable replacement through a third country, highlights the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, especially for a top-10 global contest winner.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding the Mavic 4 Pro’s availability in the US continues to evolve. Steidle’s experience marks a significant example of DJI arranging a workaround for prize distribution, indicating the company’s willingness to honor awards despite regulatory hurdles. As DJI prepares for the 2026 SkyPixel contest with a substantial prize pool, it remains to be seen how many more US winners will navigate similar international shipping arrangements.