China Implements Comprehensive Drone Regulations Under Revised Civil Aviation Law

On December 27, 2025, China’s National People's Congress Standing Committee approved significant revisions to the Civil Aviation Law, marking the first formal inclusion of unmanned aircraft, such as drones, within the national aviation regulatory framework. This overhaul, effective July 1, 2026, introduces comprehensive airworthiness certification requirements and aims to enhance safety and operational standards in the rapidly expanding low-altitude economy, projected to grow to over 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) by 2030.

China Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation Law

The revised law comprises 16 chapters and 262 articles, specifically targeting the design, production, import, maintenance, and operation of civil drones. Entities involved in these areas will be required to obtain airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), unless exempted under specific regulations. Additionally, manufacturers must assign unique identification codes to each drone to improve traceability and regulatory oversight.

China Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation LawChina’s new Civil Aviation Law increases oversight of domestic drones and eVTOLs – Unmanned airspaceSouth China Morning PostChina DailyReutersChina adopts revised Civil Aviation Law

The law also prohibits the use of laser devices that could interfere with airport navigation systems and outlines prohibited activities that may disrupt the electromagnetic environment around airports. These measures reflect a broader effort to modernize aviation regulations in response to technological advancements and emerging business models.

China Daily

The introduction of these regulations signifies a shift from interim administrative rules to a unified statutory system, aligning China more closely with international aviation standards. This change is expected to facilitate the growth of enterprise-level drone services, particularly in logistics and inspection sectors that require reliable operational approvals and equipment reliability.

China Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation LawChina DailyChina’s new Civil Aviation Law increases oversight of domestic drones and eVTOLs – Unmanned airspaceReutersSouth China Morning PostChina adopts revised Civil Aviation Law

As the drone market has rapidly expanded, previous oversight mechanisms have lagged, leading to incidents such as flight delays caused by illegal drone operations. The new regulations aim to address these gaps, providing clearer safety standards and accountability across the supply chain.

China Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation Law

While the revisions are largely seen as a necessary step towards enhancing safety and regulatory compliance, some critics argue that the stringent requirements may stifle innovation and impose burdens on smaller manufacturers. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the burgeoning drone logistics sector, which has been a significant driver of China's low-altitude economy.

Reuters

Chinese lawmakers emphasized that the revised law is designed to protect national airspace sovereignty and ensure the safe and orderly operation of civil aviation. They stated, “The update reflects China’s efforts to modernize aviation regulation as air travel demand grows and new technologies reshape the sector.”

China DailyChina’s new Civil Aviation Law increases oversight of domestic drones and eVTOLs – Unmanned airspaceChina adopts revised Civil Aviation LawSouth China Morning PostChina Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation LawReuters

As the implementation date approaches, further guidance on classification thresholds and certification categories is expected to be released. This will provide operators, manufacturers, and importers with clearer insights into compliance timelines and operational implications, shaping the future landscape of China's drone industry.

China Formalizes Drone Airworthiness Rules Under Revised Civil Aviation Law

• “The revised law reflects China's efforts to modernize aviation regulation as air travel demand grows and new technologies reshape the sector.” — National People's Congress Official

China Daily

• “To strengthen the management of civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the revised law stipulates that entities engaged in the design, production, import, maintenance and operation of civil UAVs shall apply to authorities for airworthiness certification in accordance with national regulations, except where airworthiness certification is not required,” — Civil Aviation Authority Representative

China’s new Civil Aviation Law increases oversight of domestic drones and eVTOLs – Unmanned airspace