Beijing: China will introduce strict new drone regulations in Beijing starting Friday. The rules will ban drone sales in the capital and require official approval for all drone flights.
Authorities said the new measures are aimed at improving public security in Beijing. Officials also announced a ban on bringing drones or important drone parts into the city.
Under the new policy, online shopping platforms will not be allowed to deliver drones to Beijing. This move is expected to impact buyers and sellers across China’s capital.
However, drone owners who completed real-name registration before May 1 will still be allowed to carry their drones in and out of Beijing.
Officials said residents will have three months to register their drones at local police stations once the rules take effect.
Several drone retailers had already started preparing for the changes. On Tuesday, stores across Beijing were seen removing drones from shelves.
At a DJI store in central Beijing, an employee said drones were being packed for shipment to other cities.
DJI is the world’s largest drone maker and holds a major share of the market in China. The company has also faced sanctions from the United States over security concerns.
Despite its strong position in the domestic market, DJI could now face restrictions in Beijing under the new policy.
The updated rules also state that Beijing’s airspace will be closed to all drone flights without prior approval from authorities.
Anyone caught flying drones illegally could face fines of up to 10,000 yuan, which is about $1,463. Authorities may also confiscate drones used in unauthorized flights.
People or businesses selling drones or 17 restricted drone components could also face penalties.
Beijing official Xiong Jinghua said the capital faces growing challenges related to low-altitude airspace safety.
Earlier this year, China also tightened drone laws nationwide. Illegal drone flights can now result in detention for up to 15 days.
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New national rules also require drones to send real-time flight data to authorities.
