Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China[Provided by Yonhap News][Provided by Yonhap News]
Beijing has enacted sweeping regulations that effectively ban the sale, transport, and operation of consumer drones across the capital.
On the 29th, state-run Xinhua reported that the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress recently adopted the “Beijing Unmanned Aircraft Management Regulations.”
The regulations designate all of Beijing as controlled airspace for drones and require prior authorization for any outdoor flight.
Analysts say the rules effectively prohibit private drone use.
The rules also ban illegal production, assembly, modification, and system hacking of drones, and restrict the sale or rental of drones and key components to organizations and individuals within Beijing.
They also prohibit the transport and import of drones and critical parts.
The ban covers rail, air, and road freight, courier services, long-distance passenger transport, and even private vehicles.
Violators who bring drones into the city may be referred to the police.
However, an exception applies to existing drones: owners may verify device information and complete real-name registration, remove the devices from the city, and personally re-import them.
The regulations take effect May 1.
Beijing authorities said low-altitude airspace safety in the capital faces new challenges and emphasized the need for tougher rules.
While officials cite safety, critics say the move expands Beijing’s control over advanced technologies and marks a further tightening of regulatory oversight.
Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao reported that Beijing has announced the strictest drone controls in its history and will effectively become the first city to ban private drone sales, transport, and flights.
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