Deadline for marking new drones as class C in accordance with the EU Drone Regulation postponed until 1 January 2024
The European Commission has decided to extend the transitional period granted to equipment in the EU Drone Regulation by one year. This means that new drones sold on the market have to bear the CE marking (classes C0–C6) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 first on 1 January 2024.
Drones other than those of classes C0 to C6 are allowed to be used in the ‘open’ category until 31 December 2023 in accordance with the rules and conditions set in the Regulation. Starting from 1 January 2024, they may be used under stricter conditions.
The Commission also postponed the application of the requirement that operators of unmanned aircraft in the ‘specific’ category must equip each aircraft with an active and up-to-date remote identification system. This requirement must be met as from 1 January 2024.