China’s Xinhua news agency reports that on December 27, the country’s lawmakers have voted to adopt a revision to the Civil Aviation Law which will mean from July 2026 medium and large drones will need to comply with many of the aviation requirements that apply to crewed aircraft.
“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,” said the report. “To further enhance civil aviation safety, the revised law prohibits laser devices that could affect the use of visual navigation aids at airports, and provides a specific list of prohibited acts that may interfere with the airport electromagnetic environment.”
According to China Daily: “Under the new law, entities engaged in the design, production, import, maintenance, and operation of civil drones will generally be required to obtain airworthiness certification from the national civil aviation authority, unless exempted under specific regulations. Drone manufacturers must also assign a unique identification code to each aircraft, a measure intended to improve traceability and regulatory oversight….Provisions related to legal liability and enforcement have also been updated. The revised law reflects China’s efforts to modernize aviation regulation as air travel demand grows and new technologies reshape the sector.”
For more information
https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202512/27/WS694fbb2ca310d6866eb30c43.html
