Beijing bans drone possession and allows seizure

China’s capital Beijing has banned the possession of drones since Saturday (November 15). The new rule authorizes police to seize the devices and punish their owners, even if the equipment has never been used. The measure was announced by Chinese authorities in September, with the stated aim of strengthening the security of the city, the seat of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The flights and sales of drones were already banned in Beijing for several months. Now, the ban extends to possession, making it illegal to even keep a drone at home. The decision reflects the zero tolerance policy adopted by local authorities with respect to such equipment.

Deadline for residents to discard drones

Beijing residents had until Saturday (14) to dispose of their drones. The options included selling the appliances at authorized stations, sending them for recycling or dispatching them for free out of the capital. To speed up the removal of the equipment, the government also offered subsidies.

At the end of the term, anyone who keeps a drone at home will be subject to punishment. The police will be able to seize the equipment and apply sanctions to the owners, regardless of whether the device has been used or not.

Acidente aéreo influenced hardening of rules

The zero tolerance policy for drones was adopted a few months after a acidente aéreo that caught the country’s attention. In late June, a small plane hit the China Zun tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper. The pilot died at the scene.

The crash did not involve a drone, but increased concerns by authorities about the safety of the capital’s airspace. From that episode, the local government began to adopt stricter measures to control any type of unmanned aircraft.

Exceptions only for specific activities

With the ban, photographers, journalists and amateurs will no longer be able to take aerial images of the city. Exceptions may be granted only for specific activities, such as counter-terrorism operations, maintenance of public order, emergency care, agriculture and scientific research.

These exceptions shall be examined on a case-by-case basis by the competent authorities. The general rule, however, is clear: possession of drones in Beijing is prohibited for the general population.

Contrast with Chinese ambition in the sector

The decision contrasts with China’s ambition to lead the global drone market. The country is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of such equipment in the world. In Beijing, however, the authorities prioritized security, even with restrictions imposed on the activities of a strategic sector for the country.

The tightening of rules in the Chinese capital may have impacts on the domestic drone market, but authorities have not detailed possible economic effects. The source did not detail whether there will be compensation for companies in the sector.

The ban on the possession of drones in Beijing is another chapter in China’s aviation security policy. As the country advances in the production and export of drones, the capital adopts restrictive measures to protect its airspace. The unfolding of this policy will be closely monitored by international observers and the technology sector.

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