China tightens drone regulations to enhance safety under revised aviation law<\/p>\n
China has officially passed a revised Civil Aviation Law to regulate the country\u2019s unmanned aircraft sector, a significant move toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for its low-altitude economy.<\/p>\n
The Standing Committee of the National People\u2019s Congress approved changes under the Civil Aviation Law on December 27, providing a framework for drone airworthiness certification to address a regulatory gap.<\/p>\n
The overhaul comes as China\u2019s low altitude economy- a national strategic priority focused on commercial activities below 3,000 meters-is forecast to grow from 1.5 trillion in 2025 to more than 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) by 2030, according to estimates from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).<\/p>\n
The new rules will take effect on July 1 next year; consequently all institutions involved in the design, production, import, maintenance and operation of drones must obtain airworthiness certification.<\/p>\n
Drone manufacturers will be required to affix a unique product identification code to each unit.<\/p>\n
According to Reuters, as China\u2019s drone market burgeons, supervision has been inadequate.<\/p>\n
It has been observed in recent years that several cities have reported flight delays caused by illegal drone operations, prompting fines and other penalties.<\/p>\n
The strict requirements will affect manufacturers such as DJI, the world\u2019s largest consumer drone maker, and Ehang (EH.0), which produces passenger drones.<\/p>\n
Drone logistics has become a central component of China\u2019s low-altitude economy, with 2.7 million packages- containing everything from ground beef sandwiches to life-saving medicines-delivered throughout 2024.<\/p>\n
Additionally, JD Logistics has tested drone delivery networks in Jiangsu, and Shaanxi, and has said drones can reduce shipping times for rural customers by up to 70%.<\/p>\n
courtesy thenews.com.pk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"