Archive · 27 Jul 2025
DGCA Registers Banned Chinese Drones, Ignoring Rules
Imagine the government said you couldn't buy toys from China anymore.
But it turns out, many of those toys, which are actually drones, are still being used.
Even though they're not supposed to, lots of Chinese drones are getting special numbers from the government.
These drones can take pictures and videos, which could be a security risk.
It's also not fair because it's harder for companies in India to get their drones approved.
The government is aware of the problem and is going to talk about it to try and fix things.
DGCA has registered over 8,700 Chinese drones, despite a ban since 2021.
Registered drones carry UINs without 'Type Certification' as required by Drone Rules, 2021.
Chinese drones, including DJI models, are widely available and openly sold.
Indian drone manufacturers face stricter and more expensive certification processes.
The matter will be discussed in a government meeting on July 29, 2025.
- Who
- DGCA, Chinese drone manufacturers (e.g., DJI), Drone Federation of India, and government officials.
- What
- DGCA has registered over 8,700 Chinese drones, violating import bans and Drone Rules.
- When
- Registration has occurred despite a ban since 2021; a government meeting scheduled for July 29, 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Violates import bans and Drone Rules, 2021; raises security concerns and impacts domestic drone industry.
Concerns
Support
Security Risks
Concerns
DGCA is enabling continuous access to countrywide geo-tagged images and videos from Chinese drones.
Support
Government must take immediate and decisive action to fix the issue.
Regulatory Compliance
Concerns
The proliferation of smuggled Chinese drones circumvents Drone Rules, 2021.
Support
Domestic manufacturers face more stringent regulations.
- Registered Chinese Drones
- Over 8,700
- Ban on Chinese drones
- Since 2021
- UINs issued
- Without 'Type Certification'
- Drone Rule
- 2021
- DGFT notification banning imports
- February 9, 2022
- Meeting date
- July 29, 2025