China tightens drone regulations to enhance safety under revised aviation law

China has officially passed a revised Civil Aviation Law to regulate the country’s unmanned aircraft sector, a significant move toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for its low-altitude economy.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved changes under the Civil Aviation Law on December 27, providing a framework for drone airworthiness certification to address a regulatory gap.

China’s low altitude economy set to prioritize infrastructure and regulatory frameworks

The overhaul comes as China’s low altitude economy- a national strategic priority focused on commercial activities below 3,000 meters-is forecast to grow from 1.5 trillion in 2025 to more than 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) by 2030, according to estimates from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

The new rules will take effect on July 1 next year; consequently all institutions involved in the design, production, import, maintenance and operation of drones must obtain airworthiness certification.

Drone manufacturers will be required to affix a unique product identification code to each unit.

According to Reuters, as China’s drone market burgeons, supervision has been inadequate.

It has been observed in recent years that several cities have reported flight delays caused by illegal drone operations, prompting fines and other penalties.

The strict requirements will affect manufacturers such as DJI, the world’s largest consumer drone maker, and Ehang (EH.0), which produces passenger drones.

Drone logistics has become a central component of China’s low-altitude economy, with 2.7 million packages- containing everything from ground beef sandwiches to life-saving medicines-delivered throughout 2024.

Additionally, JD Logistics has tested drone delivery networks in Jiangsu, and Shaanxi, and has said drones can reduce shipping times for rural customers by up to 70%.