Beijing implemented a new drone regulation that prohibits sales and transport of drones into the city beginning May 1. The regulation was approved by the Beijing legislature in late March and took effect Friday, May 1 [1].
As part of the rules, all drones must be registered with an identity linked to each device starting May 1 [1]. This measure covers all drone models, including popular lines from DJI such as the Neo and Mavic series [1].
Major e-commerce platforms serving Beijing, including Alibaba's Taobao and JD.com, ceased shipments and sales of drones to the city starting May 1 [1]. At the same time, DJI’s flagship retail stores in Beijing began clearing their shelves of drones to comply with the sales ban. Some DJI stores have contacted customers to inform them of the ban and to encourage purchases before enforcement [1].
Several DJI stores reported a surge in customer traffic as buyers rushed to buy drones ahead of the ban's start on May 1 [1]. The regulatory changes significantly affect both consumers and sellers of drones operating within Beijing.
The ban and registration requirement mark a major shift in drone sales and usage within the city. The new rules aim to regulate drone activity more strictly but have halted the drone market abruptly.
The drone registration linked to individual identities became mandatory starting Friday, May 1, and drone shipments and sales inside Beijing remain barred under the new law [1].
