China has enacted new regulations under the Civil Aviation Law to better govern unmanned aircraft, marking a significant step in the maturation of its drone industry. The revised law, approved by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, introduces mandatory airworthiness certification for drones from July 1 next year, affecting manufacturers, operators, and maintenance entities.
This regulatory overhaul aims to close existing gaps in drone oversight, which have led to flight delays and penalties due to illegal operations in various Chinese cities. Notably, it requires drone manufacturers to assign a unique product identification code to each drone, aligning with national standards.
The move is part of China’s broader strategy to develop a $365 billion low-altitude economy—focused on commercial activities below 3,000 meters—expected to grow substantially by 2030. While micro, light, and small drones will remain exempt from airworthiness certification, medium and large models will need to be certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Leading drone manufacturers such as DJI and EHang are set to be impacted by these new requirements, which aim to formalize industry standards and promote safer drone operations across the country. The expansion of drone logistics is also pivotal, with delivery companies like JD.com and Meituan actively investing in UAV networks to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce rural shipping times by up to 70%. Overall, these reforms aim to foster sustainable growth within China’s burgeoning drone and low-altitude sectors.
