Beijing to prohibit drone ownership, storage from November 15

Beijing : Beijing will impose some of China's strictest local controls on drones from November 15, banning residents and organizations from possessing, storing or bringing unmanned aircraft and key components into the capital.

The revised rules, approved by the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress, designate the entire city as controlled airspace. Drone flights will generally be prohibited unless specifically authorized under applicable regulations.

The restrictions also cover warehouses and temporary facilities used to store drones. Authorities said public security agencies will inspect compliance and take action against unauthorized storage or devices that remain in the city after the deadline.

Certain government and institutional operations will be exempt. Flights related to emergency rescue, disaster response, counterterrorism, public security, major events, education, research and manufacturing may continue if they meet national requirements and appropriate safety measures are in place.

Beijing began its latest drone registration and information-verification program in May, completing the process in July. Those requirements will end when the new rules take effect.

Residents have several options to remove existing drones. They can take them outside Beijing, use designated recycling facilities or sell them to approved buyback companies, with subsidies ranging from CNY 100 to CNY 3,000 per aircraft.

Owners can also ship drones outside the capital through China Post EMS between September 12 and November 14 without paying delivery charges after verification.