Story perspectives

New Drone Regulations Demand Real-Name Registration by 2026

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) introduced two compulsory national standards for civil unmanned aerial vehicles.
Effective May 1, 2026, the standards require real-name registration and operational identification, with drones transmitting identity and location data to regulators.
SAMR notes the change addresses rapid growth, with drones up 74.7% year-on-year.
The rules support the Interim Regulations for Managing UAV Flight, which began January 1, 2024, and aim to establish governance.

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Story summary

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) introduced two compulsory national standards for civil unmanned aerial vehicles.
Effective May 1, 2026, the standards require real-name registration and operational identification, with drones transmitting identity and location data to regulators.
SAMR notes the change addresses rapid growth, with drones up 74.7% year-on-year.
The rules support the Interim Regulations for Managing UAV Flight, which began January 1, 2024, and aim to establish governance.