- China enacts the first law regulating drones, impacting low-altitude economy growth.
- Airworthiness certification mandatory for medium/large UAVs; real-name registration required.
- New regulations set to strengthen safety and compliance in China’s drone sector.
China enacted a modified law that officially regulates unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for the first time, a decision expected to transform the nation's rapidly expanding low-altitude economy and economic sectors, as reported by state media.
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress sanctioned the amendments to the Civil Aviation Law, incorporating a clause on airworthiness certification for drones that addresses a significant regulatory deficit.
The revision occurs as China's low-altitude economy—a national strategic initiative targeting commercial operations beneath 3,000 meters—is expected to expand to over 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) by 2030, up from 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025, based on forecasts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).
Starting July 1 next year, all parties engaged in the design, production, import, maintenance, and operation of drones must secure airworthiness certification under the new regulations. Drone producers must allocate a distinct product identification code to every unit, following applicable national regulations.
Starting in 2024, China has put in place "temporary regulations" for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), requiring that civil unmanned aircraft be registered using real names. The rules also state that micro, light, and small civil unmanned aircraft are exempt from needing airworthiness certification, whereas medium and large aircraft must seek airworthiness certification from CAAC.
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China's drone market has quickly grown, but regulation has not kept pace. In recent times, multiple cities have experienced flight delays due to unlawful drone activities, leading to fines and additional penalties.
The stricter regulations will impact manufacturers like DJI, the leading consumer drone producer, and EHang, known for its passenger drones. Drone logistics have emerged as a significant contributor to China's low-altitude economy, with 2.7 million parcels ranging from hamburger meals to essential medications delivered across 2024, based on transport ministry statistics.