China will impose a comprehensive ban on the sale of drones in Beijing and introduce strict permit requirements for operating them under new regulations that come into effect on Friday.
Under the new rules, drones and their key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented, or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the police.
Authorities have been gradually tightening drone regulations in recent years, citing public safety concerns. Drones, along with emerging technologies such as flying taxis, are part of China’s “low-altitude economy,” a strategic sector expected to generate more than two trillion yuan (approximately $290 billion or £217 billion) by 2035.
In several Chinese cities, drones have become widely used for purposes such as food delivery, agriculture, and building maintenance. However, despite Chinese companies dominating the global drone market, the country is increasingly becoming one of the most restrictive environments for drone operation.
The new regulations stipulate that drones must be registered before they can be transported in and out of Beijing. Additionally, if drones are sent خارج the city for repairs, owners must collect them in person rather than have them delivered.
All outdoor drone operations in Beijing will require prior approval. Users must also complete an online training programme and pass a regulatory test before being permitted to operate drones.
Certain exceptions will apply. Drones may still be purchased and stored for specific purposes such as counter-terrorism and disaster relief, subject to approval from relevant authorities.
The latest restrictions were approved in March, when city officials stated that stronger management of drones was necessary to address challenges related to low-altitude airspace safety.
Xiong Jinghua, a senior official of the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress, said the objective is to “strike the best balance” between ensuring public safety and supporting technological and economic development.
Last year, Beijing designated its entire airspace as a no-drone zone, requiring approval from air traffic authorities before any drone flights can take place.
The sweeping new measures are expected to significantly impact China’s drone market, which, according to government data, includes more than three million registered drones.
China is home to major drone manufacturers, including DJI, the world’s largest drone maker. With the new restrictions approaching, DJI retail outlets in Beijing are reportedly removing drones and related products from their shelves.
