Beijing to Ban Drone Sales, Tighten Airspace Control

A new set of drone regulations will take effect in Beijing on May 1, banning sales within the city and placing all low-altitude airspace under strict control.

In response, Chinese drone maker DJI has begun pulling products from shelves across Beijing. Store staff told Jiemian News that all in-store sales will cease by April 30, with some outlets halting sales even earlier. Major e-commerce platforms such as Tmall have also stopped shipping drones to Beijing, and buyers will need to use delivery addresses outside the city after the deadline.

The regulation, passed in late March, designates all of Beijing as a controlled airspace zone for unmanned aerial vehicles. It requires prior approval for any outdoor drone flights and prohibits the sale, rental and unauthorized transport of drones and their core components into the city.

Existing drone owners must complete real-name registration and activation by April 30, followed by official information verification within three months. Unregistered devices will not be permitted for use, and only verified owners may legally bring drones into the city.

The rules also tighten oversight of storage and supply. New drone storage facilities are banned, and any existing storage must be located outside the Sixth Ring Road and comply with strict safety standards. Authorities define a storage site as any location holding more than three drones or over 10 core components.

Officials said the measures aim to enhance public safety while still allowing space for regulated and legitimate use.