Training & Regulations
Published on 25 Mar 2025
James Willoughby
Drone Class Marking coming to UK in 2026
Drone Class Marking to start in the UK in 2026 and the UK CAA to take the lead in monitoring and enforcing new product standards.
Drone class marking coming to the UK on January 1, 2026;
Marking framework 'based on retained EU law';
If UK model is similar to EASA's framework, then class marking provides the potential to grant some drone operators more operational freedom than they have currently in the UK.
The UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) has confirmed that drone class markings will start in the UK from January 1, 2026.
The system will cover drones operating in the Open Category, which generally relates to leisure activities and low-risk commercial drone flights.
The exact details have not yet been confirmed by the UK CAA - and will be released in due course - but a class marking system has the potential to unlock greater operational privileges for drone operators.
It comes after the CAA was named the UK's Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
The CAA will be responsible for ensuring required standards for drones are met by manufacturers, as well as importers and distributors, and intervening when there is non-compliance.
The CAA says that adopting the class marking framework will improve safety and security in the sector, as well as support further growth. The Authority adds that drones in the Open Category will be subject to product standards under the class marking framework from the start of next year.
What is a drone class marking?
A drone class marking (also called a class identification label) ensures the drone meets specific safety, performance, and technical standards.
Based on this, the label tells you what sub-category a drone relates to, and helps determine where and how the drone can be flown legally.
For instance, drone class markings were adopted by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and became fully applicable in 2024. Scroll down to see which DJI drones have am EASA class marking.
These markings range from C0-C6 - although only C0-C4 are permitted to fly in the Open Category. They are based on a sliding scale, with C0 attributed to the lightest, and by consequence, the safest, type of drones.
The UK did not adopt these class markings, and currently, does not recognise any 'class-marked' drone. Instead, operational requirements within the Open Category are based on criteria relating to non-class-marked drones, including legacy aircraft and transitional platforms.
Although, this will change when the class marking framework is adopted in 2026.
What does it mean for UK drone operators?
The UK CAA has said that the class marking framework for Open Category product standards is based on retained EU law.
heliguy™ has asked the CAA if this means that the exact class marking system adopted by EASA will be integrated into the UK at the start of 2026.
The Authority replied: 'Our policy team has advised that the detail on this will come when we publish our response to our consultation on this matter. This will be published once we have agreed the final policy aspects with the Department for Transport.'
At the time of the consultation - entitled Review of UK Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations and released towards the end of 2023 - the UK CAA said that class marking would be 'aligned to international regulations where it is in the UK’s interests'.
In the consultation, the Authority did state: 'We aim to support the UAS sector by allowing UAS operators in the Open Category until 2028 to adopt class-marked UAS'.
The consultation also set out proposals to tweak some operational requirements based upon EASA's class marking framework, such as allowing C1 drones (<900g) to overfly uninvolved people (but not groups of uninvolved people), rather than having to keep these type of flights to a minimum.
So, we know class marking is coming. But the devil will be in the detail - and we await updates from the CAA.
What is the Drone Open Category?
The Open Category generally relates to leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities.
It is divided into three sub-categories, dictating how you can fly and the nature of aircraft that can be flown there. A general rule of thumb is:
A1: Fly over people, but not over assemblies.
A2: Fly close to people.
A3: Fly far away from people.
Each subcategory comes with its own set of requirements.
What are the EASA class markings?
To provide some context as to what we could expect in the UK, the table below shows the main operational requirements for class-marked drones operating in the Open Category, as set out by EASA.
All flights in the Open Category must be kept within visual line of sight (VLOS), apart from when using the follow-me mode with a drone with C0 or C1 label or below 250 g; and/or when operating in first person view (FPV) and using an unmanned-aircraft observer that is always looking at the drone.
C Class | Max Takeoff Mass | Subcategory | Main Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
C0 This also relates to sub 250g drones that have been privately-built and are classed as legacy (placed on the market before December 31, 2023) | <250g | A1 | No flight over assemblies of people. Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level. |
C1 | <900g | A1 | No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimised); No flight over assemblies of people; Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level. |
C2 | <4kg | A2 Operator must have A2 CofC | Must not overfly uninvolved people; Maintain a horizontal distance of 30 m from uninvolved people (can be reduced to 5 m if the low-speed function is activated); Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level. |
C3 and C4 Also relates to aircraft that were privately-built or classed as Legacy (placed on the market before December 31, 2023) | <25kg | A3 | Must not overfly uninvolved people; Maintain a horizontal distance of 150m from uninvolved people and urban areas; Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level. |
Which DJI drones have a drone classification marking in the EU?
heliguy™ is a leading DJI dealer. The table below shows which DJI drones have a class marking, as recognised by EASA for operations in the European Union.
Class Label | Drone Model |
|---|---|
C0 | DJI Mini 2 SE DJI Mini 3 & Mini 3 Pro DJI Mini 4 Pro DJI Neo |
C1 | DJI Air 3S & Air 3 DJI Avata 2 DJI Air 2S DJI Mavic 3 Classic DJI Mavic 3 Cine |
C2 | DJI Mavic 3 Pro & Mavic 3 Pro Cine DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral (EU) DJI Mavic 3 Thermal (EU) DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (EU) DJI M30T (EU) DJI M30 (EU) DJI Matrice 4E DJI Matrice 4T |
C3 | DJI Matrice 350 RTK DJI Inspire 3 |
What criteria do manufacturers need to meet to obtain a drone class marking in the EU?
Each class rating has different criteria that drone manufacturers need to adhere to.
For the EU, this is based on EU Drone Regulation (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945), as amended by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1058.
Listed below is an overview of the key criteria for each drone marking, as taken from EU regulation. In this case, we'll only focus on C0-C4, as this relates to the Open Category.
Class | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
C0 | 1: Weigh under 250 g (including payload). 2: Fly no faster than 19 m/s. 3: Not exceed 120 m above take-off point. 4: Be safely controllable under all conditions, including system failures. 5: Be designed to minimise injury (no sharp edges; safe propeller design). 6: Be powered only by electricity. 7: If it has follow-me mode, stay within 50 m and allow pilot control. 8: Be sold with clear instructions covering UA class, weight, payload limits, control equipment, and behavior during signal loss; Operational guidelines and limits (e.g., weather, day/night use); Age-appropriate safety and risk info. 9: Include an EASA information notice with legal limits and duties. 10: Rules 4, 5, and 6 don’t apply if it’s considered a toy under EU toy safety law. |
C1 | 1: Transmit less than 80 J of energy on impact or weigh under 900 g. 2: Fly no faster than 19 m/s. 3: Not exceed 120 m in height, or have a height limiter with clear info to the pilot. 4: Be safely controllable in all expected conditions, even if systems fail. 5: Be structurally strong and stable under normal use. 6: Be designed to minimize injury (e.g. no sharp edges, safe propeller design). 7: Handle data link loss reliably and safely. 8: Unless it is a fixed-wing, it must meet noise limits and display the sound power level. 9: Be electrically powered, with safe voltage levels. 10: Have a unique ANSI/CTA-2063-compliant serial number. 11: Include direct remote ID that: Uploads the operator registration number; Broadcasts flight data in real time (location, speed, height, pilot position, etc.); Prevents tampering with key data. 12: Include a geo-awareness system with: Updated airspace info; Warnings for airspace breaches or navigation issues. 13: If airspace limiting functions are present, they must work smoothly with flight controls and inform the pilot. 14: Warn the pilot of low battery in time to land safely. 15: Have lights for control and visibility, distinguishable from manned aircraft. 16: If follow-me mode is used, stay within 50 m and allow pilot control. 17: Be sold with a user manual covering: Specs, payload limits, remote control, ID protocol, sound level, and behavior during signal loss; Operation, maintenance, airspace loading, troubleshooting, and risk/safety info. 18: Include an EASA info notice on legal duties and limits. |
C2 | 1: Weigh under 4 kg (including payload). 2: Be limited to 120 m altitude or have a height limiter with clear feedback to the pilot. 3: Be safely controllable under all conditions, even during system failures, by a competent pilot. 4: Be mechanically strong and stable during normal use. 5: For tethered UAS, meet strict tether strength and length requirements. 6: Be designed to minimize injury (e.g. no sharp edges, safe propeller design). 7: If untethered, handle command link loss safely and have secure control links. 8: If not fixed-wing, have a low-speed mode limiting speed to 3 m/s. 9: If not fixed-wing, meet sound level limits and display the sound rating. 10: Be powered only by electricity. 11: Have a unique ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019-compliant serial number. 12: Include direct remote ID that: Uploads and verifies registration numbers; Broadcasts flight data in real-time (location, speed, ID, status); Prevents tampering. 13: Include geo-awareness features: Load and update restricted airspace data; Alert pilots of potential airspace breaches or system failures. 14: Integrate airspace-limiting functions smoothly with flight systems and inform the pilot. 15: Warn the pilot of low battery in time for safe landing. 16: Have control lights and at least one green flashing light for night visibility. 17: Come with a detailed user manual including: Specs, payload limits, control systems, remote ID setup, sound levels; Procedures for airspace updates, maintenance, troubleshooting, and limitations; Risk and safety information. 18: Include an EASA notice on legal duties and limitations. 19: If using network remote ID, it must transmit real-time flight data over a network using a secure, tamper-resistant system. |
C3 | 1: Weigh under 25 kg (including payload) and be smaller than 3m. 2: Be limited to 120 m height or have a height limiter with clear info to the pilot. 3: Be safely controllable under all conditions by a competent remote pilot. 4: Tethered models must have a tether <50 m and meet strength requirements. 5: If untethered, handle link loss reliably and terminate safely if needed. 6: If not fixed-wing, display its certified noise level on the unit/packaging. 7: Be powered solely by electricity. 8: Have a unique serial number compliant with ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019. 9: If untethered, include direct remote ID that: Uploads and verifies registration data; Broadcasts live flight and location data; Resists tampering. 10: Include a geo-awareness system that: Loads airspace restrictions; Alerts pilot to potential breaches or system faults. 11: Airspace-limiting functions must integrate safely and inform the pilot. 12: If untethered, have secure command/control links. 13: Warn pilot of low battery in time for a safe landing. 14: Have lights for control; At least one green flashing light for night visibility. 15: Be sold with a detailed user manual covering: Specs, payloads, control systems, ID protocols, sound levels, and emergency behavior; Setup, operations, airspace updates, maintenance, troubleshooting, and risks. 16: Include an EASA info notice on legal obligations. 17: If using network remote ID, it must: Transmit real-time flight data securely over a network; Resist tampering of ID functions. |
C4 | 1: Weigh less than 25 kg (including payload). 2: Be safely controllable and manoeuvrable in all expected conditions, including system failures. 3: Not use automatic flight modes—only basic stabilisation and lost-link support (with fixed control positions). 4: Be sold with a user manual detailing: UA class, weight, payload limits, remote control setup, and behavior during signal loss; Clear instructions for operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and limitations; Risk and safety information. 5: Include an EASA info notice on legal obligations. |
This table provides an overview of the criteria required for each class marking. For a full breakdown, click here.
What is the current system in the UK?
As mentioned previously, the UK currently adopts a non-class-marked system. For the Open Category, this permits the following:
Subcategory | Flying Weight | Main Rules |
|---|---|---|
A1 Privately-built or placed on the market before Jan 1, 2026 | Up to 250g | Fly over uninvolved people, but not crowds; Maximum height of 120m and keep in visual line of sight. |
A1 (Transitional - not after January 1, 2026) | 250g-500g A2 CofC required | No intentional flight over uninvolved people; Maximum height of 120m and keep in visual line of sight. |
A2 (Transitional - not after January 1, 2026) | Up to 2kg A2 CofC required | No closer than 50m horizontally from uninvolved people; Maximum height of 120m and keep in visual line of sight. |
A3 Privately-built or placed on the market before Jan 1, 2026 | Up to 25kg | No uninvolved people present within the area of flight; Maintain 50m separation from any uninvolved people; No fight within 150m horizontally of residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas; Maximum height of 120m and keep in visual line of sight. |
Drone class marking - Greater freedom for operators
As mentioned previously, we don't yet know the exact detail of operational requirements in the UK, based upon the class marking framework.
However, if it resembles anything like the EU, it has the potential to benefit many drone operators, giving them greater freedom.
For instance, in the UK currently, an operator of the DJI Air 3S, for instance, requires an A2 CofC to operate in the A2 subcategory, which stipulates no flights closer than 50m from uninvolved people. However, based upon EASA's class marking system, the Air 3S is a C1 aircraft, and can fly much closer to people, and without requiring an A2 CofC.
In another example, a Mavic 3 Pro operator in the UK can currently fly in the A2 subcategory (with an A2 CofC). But in the EU, the operator - with an A2 CofC - can fly the C2-rated Mavic 3 Pro up to 30m from uninvolved people, which can be reduced to 5m in low-speed mode.
While we await the full details for the UK, the EASA system does show the huge potential that could await UK operators.
We will keep an eye on this and will continue to issue updates. If you require any drone training or regulatory assistance, contact our expert in-house instructor team.
