China to ban drone sales in Beijing citing security concerns
China is set to enforce stricter drone regulations in Beijing from Friday, banning their sale and requiring permits for operation.
Under the new rules, drones and key components cannot be sold, rented, or brought into the capital. Owners must also register their devices with the police.
The move is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to tighten drone controls in the interest of public safety. This comes despite drones playing a central role in China’s “low-altitude economy,” a fast-growing sector expected to exceed two trillion yuan by 2035.
While drones are widely used across Chinese cities for services such as food delivery, farming, and building maintenance, Beijing is becoming increasingly restrictive for operators.
The regulations require drones to be registered before entering or leaving the city. If a drone is sent out for repairs, the owner must collect it in person rather than have it returned by delivery.
In addition, all outdoor drone flights will need prior approval, and users must complete an online training course and pass a regulatory test.
There are limited exceptions, allowing drones to be purchased and stored for purposes such as counter-terrorism and disaster response, subject to official approval.
The measures, approved in March, aim to address growing safety concerns in low-altitude airspace, according to city authorities. Officials say the goal is to balance safety with technological and economic development.
Previously, Beijing had already designated its entire airspace as a no-drone zone unless authorised by air traffic authorities.
The new restrictions are expected to significantly impact China’s large drone market, which includes more than three million registered devices. Major manufacturers such as DJI, the world’s leading drone maker, are already feeling the effects, with reports that stores in Beijing have begun removing drones and related products from sale.
Source: BBC
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