Beijing Becomes China's First City to Ban Drone Sales, Transport, and Flights

According to a report by theBeijing Daily, the "Regulations on the Administration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Beijing" were approved by the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress on Friday, March 27, and will take effect on May 1.

The new regulations designate the entire administrative area of Beijing as controlled airspace for unmanned aerial vehicles, requiring an application for all outdoor flight activities. This effectively prohibits personal drone usage.

The rules also ban the illegal production, assembly, modification, or system cracking of drones. Furthermore, the sale or rental of drones and their core components to individuals or entities within Beijing is prohibited, as is the transportation or carrying of such items into the city.

The ban on transportation covers various modes, including railways, civil aviation, road freight, courier services, intercity passenger transport, and private vehicles. Any violations regarding the transport of these items will be referred to the police for handling.