Drone Ownership to Be Banned in Beijing from November, with Storage Also Prohibited

[Financial News] Beijing City, the capital of China, is significantly tightening its drone regulations. Starting in November, flying drones—as well as storing or bringing them into the city—will in principle be prohibited throughout the city.
According to Beijing Daily on the 13th, Beijing City approved the Beijing City Unmanned Aircraft Management Regulations that day, with the rules set to take effect on November 15.
The revised regulations designate the entire administrative area of Beijing City as controlled airspace for drones and, in principle, prohibit flying drones there or owning or storing drones and key related components.
Transporting drones into Beijing City’s administrative area, entering while carrying them, or establishing storage facilities will also not be permitted.
Beijing City banned drone flights without official approval in August last year. Since May this year, it has further tightened regulations by prohibiting new sales, rentals, and entry from outside the city, while also restricting storage.
The key change in this revision is that it also prohibits the storage of drones already owned by residents.
Exceptions will apply to drone use for special purposes, including counterterrorism, disaster relief, and major events. Education, research and development, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, and sports training and competitions are also covered by the exceptions.
Relevant institutions must complete procedures such as safety assessments by the authorities. Flights may then be conducted in accordance with applicable national regulations.
Ahead of the new regulations, Beijing City has established disposal options for residents who already own drones, including on-site purchases, disposal and collection, and shipment to areas outside Beijing through delivery services.
Residents who sell their drones to designated companies will receive a subsidy equal to 30% of the purchase price, up to 3,000 yuan, through the end of next month. From November 1 to 14, the subsidy will be 15% of the purchase price, up to 1,500 yuan. Those who do not sell their drones but dispose of or surrender them at designated locations will receive 200 yuan per drone through the end of October and 100 yuan per drone from November 1 to 14.

[email protected] International Affairs Specialist Lee Seok-woo Reporter