Beijing Drone Ban

Beijing is imposing a citywide ban on private drone possession and storage, alongside restrictions on flying, sales, and bringing drones or components into the capital.

The rules take effect November 15 and allow confiscation and fines for violations. Owners can sell, recycle, or remove devices through designated channels, with subsidies, buyback programs, and free shipping intended to support compliance. Exceptions require authorization for uses such as emergency response, agriculture, research, and counterterrorism. The policy reflects Beijing’s effort to tighten control of low-altitude airspace, while a June aircraft crash has been cited as part of the security context.