Beijing approves new drone regulations

Beijing has passed new regulations to strengthen the management of drones, which will take effect on May 1.

Approved by the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress on Friday, the newly passed regulation covers the operation of unmanned aircraft, stating that all outdoor drone flights in Beijing will require prior approval, while dedicated flight zones will be set up for special operations, including research, education and industrial testing, according to Beijing Daily.

Xiong Jinghua, deputy director of the Standing Committee's legal affairs committee, said at the news conference on Friday that the regulations aim to balance public safety with technological and economic development, it reported.

"The legislation sets clear standards for drone operations, sales, transport and storage, while leaving room for research, production, and other legitimate activities," Xiong said.

The rules also give special attention to education and research applications. Schools and universities can purchase, store, and operate drones through approved channels, to help support teaching, scientific experiments and technology development.

Yanqing district has been chosen for dedicated flight zones, with activities opening gradually under strict safety protocols. Su Lihua, vice governor of Yanqing, highlighted that the district's low-altitude flight management experience and its smart flight network spans 168 square kilometers.

The regulations impose strict control over drone production and distribution. Illegal manufacturing, assembly, modification or tampering is banned, as is the sale or transport of drones and core components within Beijing, unless the drone has completed real-name registration and information verification.

Authorities said the measures reflect Beijing's commitment to ensuring low-altitude safety while supporting innovation and orderly drone development for industry, research and education.