Beijing Bans Unapproved Drone Sales, Possession, Flights

Beijing authorities implemented sweeping regulations on unmanned aerial vehicles on May 1, effectively prohibiting the sale, rental, possession, and flight of drones across the city without prior approval. The rules require users to register devices with local police stations and obtain permission for every flight, marking a significant tightening of controls in China's capital.

The measures ban bringing drones or their core components into Beijing without verification from local police. E-commerce platforms have blocked shipments to Beijing addresses, and physical stores cleared inventories ahead of the deadline, with employees at outlets boxing up stock for transport elsewhere. Existing owners who completed real-name registration before May 1 may transport their devices in and out of the city, and individuals have three months to register post-enforcement. Storage is limited, allowing at most three drones at one location within Beijing's sixth ring road.

Municipal officials stated the regulations aim to strengthen management of drones and safeguard public security. "As the capital, Beijing faces more challenges in low-altitude airspace safety, making it more urgent to...