Beijing | Prime Headlines:
China has approved a revised Civil Aviation Law that, for the first time, brings drones under formal national regulation. The new rules will come into effect from July 1 next year and will significantly tighten oversight of unmanned aircraft.
Under the updated law, airworthiness certification will become mandatory. This means anyone involved in designing, manufacturing, importing, repairing, or operating drones will need official government approval. The move is aimed at improving safety and control as drone usage rapidly expands across the country.
Another key change is the introduction of a unique identification code for every drone, similar to a license plate. This will make it easier for authorities to track drones and identify their owners or operators.
Boosting Control Over the “Low-Altitude Economy”
The new law is closely linked to China’s growing focus on the “low-altitude economy” — commercial activities that take place below 3,000 meters. This includes delivery drones, passenger drones, aerial inspections, and related services.
Beijing sees this sector as a major growth engine. Official estimates suggest the low-altitude economy could grow beyond 2 trillion yuan by 2030, up from around 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025.
Drone Deliveries on the Rise
Drone delivery is one of the fastest-growing areas. In 2024, drones delivered about 2.7 million packages across China, including food orders and medical supplies. Companies like JD Logistics and Meituan have led the push, especially in rural areas where drones can avoid traffic and reduce delivery times by up to 70 percent.
With tighter rules now in place, China is clearly trying to balance rapid innovation with stronger regulation in its skies.
