China’s legislature has approved a significant revision to its Civil Aviation Law, set to take effect from July 2026. This revision mandates that medium and large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, must abide by aviation safety regulations similar to those for crewed aircraft, including airworthiness certification and unique identification codes.
According to official reports, the new law aims to improve civil aviation safety and regulate UAV management more effectively. It stipulates that entities involved in designing, manufacturing, importing, maintaining, or operating civil drones are required to seek airworthiness certification from the national civil aviation authority, unless specific exemptions are granted. The law also bans laser devices that could impair visual navigation at airports and details prohibited acts that could interfere with airport electromagnetic environments.
China’s efforts to modernize its aviation regulations reflect the increasing demand for air travel and technological advancements in the sector. The law's provisions include tightened legal liabilities and enforcement measures, as well as mandates for drone manufacturers to assign identification codes to enhance oversight and traceability.
This legal update marks a major step in China's regulatory approach towards UAVs and eVTOLs, emphasizing safety, oversight, and control as drone usage expands within the country’s civil aviation framework.
