Beijing has tightened restrictions on drones, prohibiting the possession and storage of drones and their core components across the city starting November 15 under a revised regulation adopted by the city's lawmakers.

The revised regulation, passed by the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress, tightens controls on drones compared with the previous version, which took effect on May 1, as authorities move to strengthen airspace security in the capital.

In line with the new rules, the entire administrative area of Beijing will be designated as controlled airspace for unmanned aircraft. Flights by unmanned aircraft will be prohibited across the city unless otherwise permitted under relevant regulations.

The possession and storage of drones and their core components will also be prohibited. Individuals and organisations will also be barred from transporting or carrying drones and their core components into Beijing.

Exceptions will apply to special-purpose flights. Organisations involved in counterterrorism, public order, emergency rescue and disaster relief, major events, teaching, scientific research and manufacturing may conduct flights in accordance with relevant national regulations.

Such organisations must establish safety management systems, clearly assign management responsibilities and take measures to prevent safety incidents, according to the revised regulation.

Beijing began implementing its drone management regulation on May 1, together with rules requiring authorities to verify information on drones. The verification work, which included registration of existing devices, was completed on July 31, according to the authorities.

The current information-verification rules will cease to apply when the revised regulation takes effect.

To help residents dispose of drones already in Beijing before the November 15 deadline, authorities have opened several channels in addition to allowing owners to take their devices out of the city themselves.

Drone owners can sell their aircraft to buyback companies certified by district-level governments or hand them over to government-designated recycling facilities. In either case, they can receive subsidies ranging from 100 yuan ($14.9) to 3,000 yuan per drone, in addition to the money received from selling the device.

Another option is to send drones by China Post's EMS service to an address outside Beijing between Sept 12 and Nov 14, and the delivery fee will be waived after the equipment is verified.

Residents who choose to take their drones out of Beijing themselves must do so by Nov 15, using transportation such as civil aviation, rail or road services.

The revised regulation also establishes a citywide ban on drone storage. Unless otherwise provided by law or regulation, no organization or individual may establish a warehouse, temporary storage site or other storage facility for unmanned aircraft within Beijing.

Public security authorities will conduct inspections and take legal action against those who fail to move their drones out of Beijing by the deadline or illegally store them, according to the authorities.

Beijing said it will continue routine controls over the city's airspace and provide policy guidance and services to help residents comply with the new requirements.

In association with ANN