CAAC Requires Newly Manufactured Drones to Be Equipped with Operational Identification Transmission Function Starting May 2026

Recently, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued the Announcement on Matters Concerning Network-based Operational Identification of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (the "Announcement").

According to the Announcement, the CAAC will carry out the receipt and processing of network-based operational identification information through the comprehensive management platform for civil unmanned aircrafts (UOM). Starting from May 1, 2026, all manufacturers of civil unmanned aircraft systems shall ensure that the drones they produce and sell are equipped with an operational identification transmission function and that the relevant technical specifications fully comply with the requirements of GB 46750-2025. Operational identification information shall be transmitted directly by the drone to the UOM. During the entire flight powered by the drone's own propulsion system, the drone shall automatically and continuously transmit operational identification information and shall not be equipped with the capability to disable such transmission. For drones sold prior to May 1, 2026, manufacturers shall carry out upgrades and modifications in accordance with relevant requirements.



(Source: http://www.caac.gov.cn/XXGK/XXGK/TZTG/202603/t20260306_230233.html)

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