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Beijing Outlaws Drone Sales as New Rules Take Effect Citywide

Officials say the clampdown protects the capital by controlling every step from sale to storage.

Overview

  • Beijing’s new drone regulation, which took effect Friday, blocks sales and transport into the city and requires approval to buy, rent or fly within the capital.
  • E-commerce giants Taobao and JD.com stopped shipments to Beijing as DJI stores cleared shelves after a last‑minute rush by buyers trying to secure devices.
  • Drone operators now must use real‑name registration across China and link each aircraft to an ID or phone number, with flight data transmitted to authorities.
  • Storage in central Beijing is tightly limited, with sites inside the Sixth Ring Road capped at three drones or ten key components and subject to police inspections.
  • Analysts expect a small direct hit to makers like DJI from the Beijing ban but warn of broader pressure from U.S. FCC limits on new foreign models and July airworthiness rules.