Executive Summary

Key insights and market outlook

China has implemented comprehensive regulations for drones through revisions to its Civil Aviation Law, effective July 1, 2026. The new rules require airworthiness certification for all drones involved in design, production, import, maintenance, and operation. This regulatory framework aims to enhance safety and organize the rapidly growing low-altitude economy, projected to reach over 2 trillion yuan by 2030 ¹

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Full Analysis

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Deep Dive Analysis

China Implements Comprehensive Drone Regulations

Enhanced Safety Measures for Growing Industry

China has taken a significant step in regulating its rapidly expanding drone industry through revisions to the Civil Aviation Law, passed on December 27, 2025 ¹

. The new regulations, effective July 1, 2026, introduce mandatory airworthiness certification for all drones across their entire lifecycle, including design, production, import, maintenance, and operation ¹².

Addressing Regulatory Gaps

The revised law addresses previous regulatory gaps where only medium and large drones required certification, while smaller drones were exempt ¹

. The new framework mandates that all drone manufacturers assign unique identification codes to each unit produced, enhancing traceability and safety. This move is part of China's broader strategy to develop its low-altitude economy, which is projected to grow from 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025 to over 2 trillion yuan by 2030 ².

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

The drone industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing commercial applications. The new regulations aim to balance industry development with safety and security concerns. While the rules represent a significant regulatory shift, they are expected to foster a more sustainable and organized growth trajectory for China's drone sector.

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