The Beijing authorities in China are set to tighten drone control measures by banning individuals and organizations from possessing or storing drones, including key components, within the urban area. Unauthorized drone entry is also prohibited, effective from 15 November. Those who currently have drones in Beijing must remove them from the city, return, recycle, or sell them within the deadline, or risk confiscation and fines.
Beijing plans to implement stricter drone regulations, forbidding possession and storage of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and key parts throughout Beijing’s administrative region starting 15 November. This aims to enhance air safety and protect the capital’s security.
The revised regulations were approved by the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress and will replace the previous rules effective since 1 May. The new rules are much stricter. Under them, all of Beijing’s airspace will be designated as controlled for unmanned aerial vehicles. Drone flights will be banned unless legally authorized. Beyond banning possession and storage, individuals and organizations are also prohibited from transporting or bringing drones and key components into Beijing.
These measures arise amid concerns over air safety in the city of about 22 million people, following a June incident where a small plane crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, killing the pilot and injuring 13 others.
The Beijing government stated that the regulations aim to "protect the capital’s security." Previously, since May, Beijing had banned drone sales and required owners to register their devices, although they were allowed to keep them.
However, the new rules require both individual and organizational drone owners to remove or dispose of drones from Beijing by 15 November. Failure to comply authorizes authorities to confiscate drones and impose legal penalties, including fines.
Authorities have provided multiple channels to help residents remove drones. Owners can sell drones to government-certified buyback companies or deliver them to designated recycling centers. Those who do so will receive subsidies ranging from 100 yuan (about 500 baht) to 3,000 yuan (around 15,000 baht) per drone, in addition to the sale price.
Another option is to send drones via China Post’s express courier service to addresses outside Beijing from 12 September to 14 November. Shipping fees will be waived after officials inspect the equipment. Those who prefer to remove drones themselves must complete the process by 15 November, using air, rail, or road transport.
The new rules do not ban all drone uses; exceptions exist for special missions such as counterterrorism, maintaining public order, emergency rescue, disaster relief, large events, education, scientific research, and production.
Authorized entities conducting such missions must comply with relevant national regulations, establish safety management systems, assign clear responsibilities, and implement security measures. The new rules also prohibit individuals or organizations from establishing warehouses, temporary storage areas, or other drone storage facilities within Beijing unless otherwise legally permitted.
Earlier, Beijing had launched a drone management system on 1 May, including data verification and registration of existing devices. The data verification was completed by 31 July. When the new rules take effect, the previous data verification system will end.
Public security officials will monitor compliance with the new regulations and take legal action against those who fail to remove drones from Beijing by the deadline or who illegally store drones.
Beijing authorities stated they will continue to control airspace use and provide policy guidance and services to help residents comply properly with the new requirements.
/sourceChina Daily/Associated Press