Beijing to prohibit drone ownership within city limits starting mid-November

Beijing authorities have issued revised regulations that will ban the possession and storage of drones and related components within the city, with the rule slated to start on November 15. The decision comes after a tragic accident in late June when a small aircraft collided with a Beijing skyscraper, killing the pilot and injuring 13 others. Under earlier rules, drone owners were required to register their devices using real names, but could keep them under strict conditions.

The new policy adds a complete prohibition, allowing officials to seize illegal drones and impose fines on both private owners and companies. To facilitate compliance, the government will offer subsidies for owners who sell their drones at designated buy-back locations or recycle them, and will permit shipment of drones out of the city before the deadline. While drone use remains permitted in other regions of China, the capital’s tighter security measures reflect its historically stricter regulations.