The Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 21st Oct 25

These Regulations amend existing UK legislation deriving from EU Regulations (EU) 2018/1139, specifically affecting Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 concerning Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The amendments introduce UK-specific branding for drone classes (replacing 'C' with 'UK'), clarify scope by excluding UAS under 100g MTOM or those operated wholly indoors, and impose new technical requirements for direct remote identification and geo-awareness on certain classes, with most technical changes commencing in January 2028.

Furthermore, the rules delegate authority for approving conformity assessment bodies from the Secretary of State to the market surveillance authority.

Arguments For

Modernising Drone Classification: Replacing the 'C' prefix (C0-C6) with a 'UK' prefix (UK0-UK6) aligns the domestic regulatory framework while maintaining continuity with the structure of the original European regulations.
Enhancing Safety and Security: Introducing mandatory requirements for direct remote identification, unique serial numbers (ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019 compliant), and geo-awareness functions for certain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) classes, particularly those equipped with cameras, improves traceability and airspace awareness.
Clarifying Operational Scope: Explicitly excluding small UAS (under 100g MTOM) and those flown exclusively in wholly or mainly enclosed areas from certain core regulations streamlines compliance for low-risk operations.
Transitioning Regulatory Responsibility: Transferring competency for approving conformity assessment bodies from the Secretary of State to the market surveillance authority establishes clearer domestic enforcement pathways post-Brexit.
Phased Implementation: Staggering the commencement of certain key provisions (especially those related to remote ID and geo-awareness) until January 1st, 2028, allows manufacturers and operators a transition period to comply with more advanced technical requirements.

Arguments Against

Increased Burden on Small Manufacturers/Operators: The introduction of mandatory standards for serial numbers and direct remote identification, even if phased until 2028, imposes new technical compliance costs, especially for manufacturers of smaller, existing UAS models (C0-C4).
Complexity of Transitional Dates: Having two primary commencement dates (1st January 2026 and 1st January 2028) for different sets of amendments may cause confusion regarding which set of rules applies during the intervening period.
Defining 'Relevant Restricted Areas': Introducing the term 'relevant restricted areas' and relying on designations made under various pieces of UK legislation (Air Navigation Order 2016, National Security Act 2023) creates a complex external reference structure that operators must navigate for compliance.
Potential for Operation Restrictions: The CAA's power to disapply remote identification requirements in 'specific' category authorisations, while intended for legitimate reasons, could lead to inconsistent application of visibility and tracking rules if not managed consistently across all authorisations.
Omission of Existing Provisions: Removing Articles 20 and 22 concerning the operation of certain non-compliant UAS in the 'open' category might abruptly limit operational flexibility for legacy equipment after the transitional period.

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 57, paragraph 1 of Article 58 and paragraph 3(a) of Article 127 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2018 on common rules in the field of civil aviation1.

The Secretary of State enacts these Regulations using powers granted under Articles 57, 58(1), and 127(3)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, which covers common rules for civil aviation concerning unmanned aircraft.

Part 1Introductory

Citation, commencement, extent and interpretation1.

(1)

These Regulations may be cited as the Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

(2)

Subject to paragraph (3), these Regulations come into force on 1st January 2026.

(3)

Regulations 8(2) and (3), 9(2), 10(2), 11(2), 12 and 32 come into force on 1st January 2028.

(4)

These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(5)

In these Regulations—

“the Delegated Regulation” means Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 of 12 March 2019 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems2;

“the Implementing Regulation” means Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft3.

Part 1 provides introductory information.

The instrument is titled the Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

Most provisions start on January 1st, 2026, but a few specific regulations (8(2) and (3), 9(2), 10(2), 11(2), 12, and 32) are delayed until January 1st, 2028.

The rules apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Interpretation clauses define two key related pieces of EU legislation: 'the Delegated Regulation' ((EU) 2019/945) concerning UAS systems and operators, and 'the Implementing Regulation' ((EU) 2019/947) dealing with operational rules and procedures.

Part 2Amendment of the Delegated Regulation

Amendment of the Delegated Regulation2.

The Delegated Regulation is amended in accordance with this Part.

Amendments to the names of the classes of UAS3.

Part 1 of Schedule 1 makes amendments to the names of the classes of UAS.

Amendment of class identification labels4.

Schedule 2 makes amendments of the class identification labels set out in the Annex to the Delegated Regulation.

Amendment of Chapter I5.

(1)

In Article 2 (scope), in paragraph 4, for “UAS intended to be exclusively operated indoors” substitute—“—

(a)
UAS designed to be exclusively operated in areas which are wholly or mainly enclosed;
(b)
UAS with an MTOM of less than 100 g.”.

(2)

In Article 3 (definitions)—

(a)

in paragraph 44, omit “by the Secretary of State”;

(b)

after paragraph 48, insert—

(49)
‘relevant restricted areas’ means—
(a)
geographical zones designated by regulations under Article 15 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947,
(b)
areas in which flying a UA is prohibited, restricted or subject to conditions under regulations made under article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 20164,
(c)
areas which are flight restriction zones of protected aerodromes within the meaning of article 94A(7) of the Air Navigation Order 20165,
(d)
areas which are protected space sites within the meaning of article 94BA of the Air Navigation Order 20166, and
(e)
places in the UK designated as prohibited places by regulations made under section 8(1) of the National Security Act 20237.”.

Amendment of Chapter II6.

(1)

In Article 4 (requirements), in paragraph 2, omit “that are not toys within the meaning of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011”.

(2)

In Article 6 (obligations of manufacturers)—

(a)

in paragraph 5, for “2 to 4” substitute “1 to 5”;

(b)

after paragraph 11, insert—

“12.
Where a manufacturer places a product of a particular type on the market for the first time, the manufacturer must give a market surveillance authority a notice consisting of—
(a)
a statement that the manufacturer has placed a product of this type on the market for the first time,
(b)
the name of the manufacturer of the product,
(c)
the unique code assigned by the manufacturer to this type, and
(d)
if the manufacturer assigns, to products of this type, serial numbers which indicate the product type or other features of the product, an explanation of how the serial numbers indicate the product type or other features of the product.”.

(3)

In Article 13 (conformity assessment procedures)—

(a)

in paragraph 2, in point (a)—

(i)

the words from “assessing” to the end become point (i);

(ii)

after that point, insert—“, or

(ii)
the conditions in paragraph 3 are satisfied;”;

(b)

in paragraph 2, in point (c), for the words from “Annex” to the end substitute “Annex.”;

(c)

after paragraph 2, insert—

“3.
The conditions in this paragraph are—
(a)
that the conformity assessment is conducted before 1st January 2028,
(b)
that the assessment is of the compliance of a product with the requirements set out in Parts 2, 3 or 4 of the Annex, and
(c)
that the product is covered by a type examination under Part 8 of the Annex to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 of 12 March 2019 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems8 as it has effect in EU Law.”.

(4)

In Article 18 (approval of conformity assessment bodies)—

(a)

in each of paragraphs 1 and 2, for “the Secretary of State”, substitute “a market surveillance authority”;

(b)

in paragraph 5, for “paragraph 2” substitute “paragraph 4”.

(5)

In Article 24 (subsidiaries and subcontracting by approved bodies), for “the Secretary of State”, in both places it occurs, substitute “a market surveillance authority”.

(6)

In Article 25 (application for approval), in paragraph 1, for “the Secretary of State” substitute “a market surveillance authority”.

(7)

In Article 28 (changes to approvals)—

(a)

in paragraph 1—

(i)

for “the Secretary of State”, in the first place it occurs, substitute “a market surveillance authority”;

(ii)

for “Secretary of State”, in the second place it occurs, substitute “market surveillance authority”;

(b)

in paragraph 2—

(i)

for “the Secretary of State” substitute “a market surveillance authority”;

(ii)

omit from “for” to the end.

(8)

In Article 32 (information obligation on approved bodies), in paragraph 1—

(a)

in the words before point (a), for “the Secretary of State” substitute “a market surveillance authority”;

(b)

omit point (c).

Amendment of Chapter III7.

In Article 40 (requirements for UAS operated in the ‘certified’ and ‘specific’ categories), in paragraph 5—

(a)

for the words before point (a) substitute “Where a UAS intended to be operated in the ‘specific’ category and at a height below 120 metres is equipped with a direct remote identification, the direct remote identification shall—”;

(b)

in point (a), at the beginning insert “allow”;

(c)

in point (b), at the beginning insert “ensure”;

(d)

in point (c), omit “to”.

Amendment of Part 1 of the Annex8.

(1)

Part 1 of the Annex (requirements for class C0 Unmanned aircraft system) is amended as follows.

(2)

After point (7), insert—

(7A)
if equipped with a camera, have a unique serial number compliant with standard ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019, Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Serial Numbers, 20199;
(7B)
if equipped with a camera, have a direct remote identification that:
(a)
allows the upload of the UAS operator registration number required in accordance with Article 14 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and any additional number provided by the registration system; the system shall perform a consistency check verifying the integrity of the full string provided to the UAS operator at the time of registration; in case of inconsistency, the UAS shall emit an error message to the UAS operator;
(b)
ensures, in real time during the whole duration of the flight, the direct periodic broadcast from the UA using an open and documented transmission protocol, in a way that it can be received directly by existing mobile devices within the broadcasting range, of at least the following data:
(i)
the UAS operator registration number and the verification code provided by the CAA during the registration process unless the consistency check defined in point (a) is not passed;
(ii)
the unique physical serial number of the UA compliant with point (7A);
(iii)
the time-stamp, the geographical position of the UA and its height above the surface or take-off point;
(iv)
the route course measured clockwise from true north and ground speed of the UA;
(v)
the geographical position of the remote pilot or, if not available, the take-off point; and
(vi)
an indication of the emergency status of the UAS;
(c)
reduces the ability of tampering the functionality of the direct remote identification system;
(7C)
if equipped with a camera, be capable of taking off only if the direct remote identification is functional and activated;
(7D)
if equipped with a camera, be equipped with a geo-awareness function that provides:
(a)
an interface to load and update data containing information on relevant restricted areas, which ensures that the process of loading or updating such data does not degrade its integrity and validity;
(b)
a warning alert to the remote pilot when a potential breach of airspace limitations is detected; and
(c)
information to the remote pilot on the UA’s status as well as a warning alert when its positioning or navigation systems cannot ensure the proper functioning of the geo-awareness function;”;

(3)

In point (8)(a), after the fourth list item—

(a)

omit “and”;

(b)

insert—

“the procedures to upload the UAS operator registration number into the direct remote identification system;
reference of the transmission protocol used for the direct remote identification system emission; and”.

(4)

Omit point (10).

Amendment of Part 2 of the Annex9.

(1)

Part 2 of the Annex (requirements for a class C1 Unmanned aircraft system) is amended as follows.

(2)

After point (12), insert—

(12A)
be capable of taking off only if the direct remote identification is functional and activated;”;

(3)

In point (13)(a), for the words from “airspace” to the “2019/947”, substitute “relevant restricted areas”.

Amendment of Part 3 of the Annex10.

(1)

Part 3 of the Annex (requirements for a class C2 Unmanned aircraft system) is amended as follows.

(2)

After point (14), insert—

(14A)
be capable of taking off only if the direct remote identification is functional and activated;”;

(3)

In point (15)(a), for the words from “airspace” to “2019/947”, substitute “relevant restricted areas”.

Amendment of Part 4 of the Annex11.

(1)

Part 4 of the Annex (requirements for a class C3 Unmanned aircraft system) is amended as follows.

(2)

After point (9), insert—

(9A)
be capable of taking off only if the direct remote identification is functional and activated;”.

(3)

In point (10)(a), for the words from “airspace” to “2019/947”, substitute “relevant restricted areas”.

Amendment of Part 5 of the Annex12.

(1)

In Part 5 of the Annex (requirements for a class C4 UAS), after point (3), insert—

(3A)
have a unique serial number compliant with standard ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019, Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Serial Numbers, 2019;
(3B)
have a direct remote identification that:
(a)
allows the upload of the UAS operator registration number required in accordance with Article 14 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and any additional number provided by the registration system; the system shall perform a consistency check verifying the integrity of the full string provided to the UAS operator at the time of registration; in case of inconsistency, the UAS shall emit an error message to the UAS operator;
(b)
ensures, in real time during the whole duration of the flight, the direct periodic broadcast from the UA using an open and documented transmission protocol, in a way that it can be received directly by existing mobile devices within the broadcasting range, of at least the following data:
(i)
the UAS operator registration number and the verification code provided by the CAA during the registration process unless the consistency check defined in point (a) is not passed;
(ii)
the unique physical serial number of the UA compliant with point (3A);
(iii)
the time-stamp, the geographical position of the UA and its height above the surface or take-off point;
(iv)
the route course measured clockwise from true north and ground speed of the UA;
(v)
the geographical position of the remote pilot or, if not available, the take-off point; and
(vi)
an indication of the emergency status of the UAS;
(c)
reduces the ability of tampering the functionality of the direct remote identification system;”.

(2)

In point (4)(a), after the fourth list item—

(a)

omit “and”;

(b)

insert—

“the procedures to upload the UAS operator registration number into the direct remote identification system;
reference of the transmission protocol used for the direct remote identification system emission; and”.

Amendment of Part 7 of the Annex13.

In Part 7 of the Annex (conformity assessment module A - internal production control), in the following provisions, for “Parts 1, 5, 6, 16 or 17 which apply to them” substitute “the Part of the Annex which applies to them”—

(a)

point 1;

(b)

point 3;

(c)

point 4(1).

Part 2 modifies the Delegated Regulation ((EU) 2019/945).

Regulation 3 directs Schedule 1 to amend the names of UAS classes (replacing 'C' with 'UK').

Regulation 4 directs Schedule 2 to update class identification labels.

Regulation 5 amends Article 2 (scope) to exclude UAS intended exclusively for indoor operation or those weighing less than 100g Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM).

It also edits Article 3 to define 'relevant restricted areas' by referencing designations under the Implementing Regulation, UK law, aerodrome flight restriction zones, and National Security Act prohibited places.

Regulation 6 makes several modifications across Chapter II; for instance, it removes references to UAS being 'toys' (Regulation 6(1)) and mandates that manufacturers provide a notice upon first placing a product type on the market, including a unique code (Regulation 6(2)(b)).

It also alters conformity assessment procedures in Article 13, allowing internal production control until January 1st, 2028, for certain classes if the product has an EU type examination (Regulation 6(3)(c)).

Crucially, powers regarding conformity assessment bodies (Articles 18, 24, 25, 28, 32) are transferred from the Secretary of State to 'a market surveillance authority' (Regulation 6(4)-(8)).

Regulation 7 amends Article 40, specifying that remote identification requirements for 'specific' category operations below 120 metres only apply if the UAS is actually equipped with direct remote identification.

Regulations 8, 9, 10, and 11 introduce new technical requirements for classes UK0 through UK3 (formerly C0-C3) starting in 2028, requiring unique serial numbers (ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019), functional direct remote identification (including operator registration upload and data broadcasting), and geo-awareness functions if equipped with a camera.

Regulation 12 applies similar new remote ID and serial number requirements to Class C4 (UK4) UAS. Regulation 13 amends Part 7 of the Annex concerning conformity assessment module A, simplifying references to the applicable Annex parts.

Part 3Amendment of the Implementing Regulation

Chapter 1Amendments coming into force on 1st January 2026

Amendment of the Implementing Regulation14.

The Implementing Regulation is amended in accordance with this Chapter.

Amendments to the names of the classes of UAS15.

Part 2 of Schedule 1 makes amendments to the names of the classes of UAS.

Amendments to the names of the subcategories of the ‘open’ category16.

Schedule 3 makes amendments to the names of the subcategories of the ‘open’ category.

Amendment of Article 217.

In Article 2 (definitions), after point (35), insert—

(36)
‘Delegated Regulation (EU Law version)’ means Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/94510 as it has effect in EU Law;
(37)
‘relevant restricted areas’ means—
(a)
geographical zones designated by regulations under Article 15 of this Regulation,
(b)
areas in which flying a UA is prohibited, restricted or subject to conditions under regulations made under article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016,
(c)
areas which are flight restriction zones of protected aerodromes within the meaning of article 94A(7) of the Air Navigation Order 2016,
(d)
areas which are protected space sites within the meaning of article 94BA of the Air Navigation Order 2016, and
(e)
places in the UK designated as prohibited places by regulations made under section 8(1) of the National Security Act 2023.”.

Insertion of Article 2A18.

After Article 2 (definitions), insert—

“Article 2AScope (operations in an enclosed area)
1.
This Regulation does not apply to operations performed in an area—
(a)
which is wholly or mainly enclosed, and
(b)
where no uninvolved person is present.”.

Amendment of Article 419.

In Article 4 (‘open’ category of UAS operations), in paragraph 1, in point (a), for the words from “belongs to” to the end, substitute—“—

(i)
belongs to one of the classes set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945,
(ii)
is privately built,
(iii)
is a UAS to which this Regulation applies by virtue of Article 20A,
(iv)
has an MTOM of less than 100 g, or
(v)
is covered by point UAS.OPEN.020(5)(zb), UAS.OPEN.030(3)(b) or UAS.OPEN.040(4)(za) of Part A of the Annex;”.

Amendment of Article 1020.

In Article 10 (rules and procedures for the airworthiness of UAS), for “Article 20” substitute “point UAS.OPEN.020(5)(zb), UAS.OPEN.030(3)(b) or UAS.OPEN.040(4)(za) of Part A of the Annex”.

Amendment of Article 1221.

In Article 12 (authorising operations in the ‘specific’ category)—

(a)

after paragraph 3, insert—

“3A.
The CAA may, when granting an operational authorisation under paragraph 2, direct that any of the following provisions in point UAS.SPEC.050 in Part B of the Annex are disapplied for operations under that authorisation where the CAA considers the operator has a legitimate reason for not complying with those provisions—
(a)
point (1)(l)(i) (green flashing light);
(b)
point (1)(l)(ii) (remote identification system).”;

(b)

after paragraph 4, point (c)(vi) insert—

“vii.
whether the CAA has disapplied any of the provisions mentioned in paragraph 3A for operations under the authorisation.”.

Amendment of Article 1422.

In Article 14 (registration of UAS operators and certified UAS)—

(a)

in paragraph 5, in point (a)ii., for the words from “sensor” to the end, substitute “camera and has a MTOM of 100 g or more”;

(b)

in paragraph 6, in subparagraph 2, after “UAS operators” insert “who are at least 18 years of age”.

Omission of Article 2023.

Omit Article 20 (particular provisions concerning the use of certain UAS in the ‘open’ category).

Insertion of Article 20A24.

After Article 20, insert—

“Article 20AUAS complying with the Delegated Regulation (EU Law version)
1.
Before 1st January 2028, this Regulation applies to a UAS of an EU class as if it were a UAS of the equivalent UK class.
2.
For the purposes of paragraph 1—
(a)
a UAS is of an EU class if it complies with the requirements in the Part of the Annex to the Delegated Regulation (EU Law version) which relates to that class;
(b)
a UAS is of a UK class if it complies with the requirements in the Part of the Annex to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 which relates to that class;
(c)
a UK class is equivalent to an EU class if the number in the name of the UK class is the same as the number in the name of the EU class.”.

Omission of Article 2225.

Omit Article 22.

Amendment of point UAS.OPEN.020 of Part A of the Annex26.

In the Annex, in Part A, in point UAS.OPEN.020 (UAS operations in subcategory A1)—

(a)

omit point (1);

(b)

in point (2) omit from the beginning to “(5)(c),”;

(c)

in point (4)(b), for the words from the beginning to “2019/945”, substitute “other than in the case of an unmanned aircraft with an MTOM of less than 100 g”;

(d)

in point (5)—

(i)

before point (a) insert—

(za)
has an MTOM of less than 100 g; or
(zb)
has an MTOM of less than 250 g, does not comply with the requirements in Part 1 or Part 2 of the Annex to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and was placed on the market before 1st January 2026; or”;

(ii)

omit point (b).

Amendment of point UAS.OPEN.030 of Part A of the Annex27.

In the Annex, in Part A, in point UAS.OPEN.030 (UAS operations in subcategory A2)—

(a)

in point (1), at the beginning, insert “in the case of an unmanned aircraft referred to in point (3)(a),”;

(b)

after point (1), insert—

(1A)
in the case of an unmanned aircraft referred to in point (3)(b), be conducted at a safe horizontal distance of at least 50 metres from uninvolved persons.”;

(c)

in point (3)—

(i)

the words from “is marked” to the end become point (a);

(ii)

after that point, insert—“; or

(b)
has an MTOM of less than 2 kg, does not comply with the requirements in Part 3 of the Annex to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and was placed on the market before 1st January 2026.”.

Amendment of point UAS.OPEN.040 of Part A of the Annex28.

In the Annex, in Part A, in point UAS.OPEN.040 (UAS operations in subcategory A3)—

(a)

before point (1), insert—

“A1
be conducted at a safe horizontal distance of at least 50 metres from uninvolved persons;”;

(b)

after point (2), insert—

(2A)
be conducted at a safe horizontal distance of at least 50 metres from any building;”;

(c)

before point (4)(a)—

(za)
has an MTOM of less than 25 kg, does not comply with the requirements in Parts 3, 4 or 5 of the Annex to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and was placed on the market before 1st January 2026; or”;

(d)

omit point (4)(b).

Amendment of point UAS.OPEN.050 of Part A of the Annex29.

In the Annex, in Part A, in point UAS.OPEN.050 (responsibilities of the UAS operator), in point (4)(c), for the words from “any” to the end, substitute “relevant restricted areas”.

Amendment of point UAS.OPEN.060 of Part A of the Annex30.

In the Annex, in Part A, in point UAS.OPEN.060 (responsibilities of the remote pilot)—

(a)

in point (1)—

(i)

in point (a), for “points (5)(a), (5)(b) or (5)(c)”, substitute “point (5)(za)”;

(ii)

in point (b), for the words from “any” to the end, substitute “relevant restricted areas”;

(iii)

in point (c), for “(5)(a), (5)(b) or (5)(c)”, substitute “(5)(za), (5)(zb), (5)(a), (5)(c), or (5)(d)”;

(b)

in point (2), for point (g) substitute—

(g)
when operating at night, ensure that a green flashing light on the unmanned aircraft is activated.”.

Amendment of Part B of the Annex31.

In Part B of the Annex (UAS operations in the ‘specific’ category)—

(a)

in point UAS.SPEC.050 (responsibilities of the UAS operator), in point (1)—

(i)

in point (d)(vi), for the words from “any” to the end, substitute “relevant restricted areas”;

(ii)

in point (e)(iii), for the words from “any” to the end, substitute “relevant restricted areas”;

(iii)

for point (l), substitute—

(l)
except in the case of an operation under an authorisation for which the CAA has disapplied this requirement under paragraph 3A of Article 12, ensure that each individual unmanned aircraft is installed with:
(i)
at least one green flashing light for the purpose of visibility of the unmanned aircraft at night, and
(ii)
an active and up-to-date direct remote identification.”;

(b)

in UAS.SPEC.060 (responsibilities of the remote pilot), in point (2)(a), for the words from “any” to the end, substitute “relevant restricted areas”.

Chapter 2Amendments coming into force on 1st January 2028

Amendment of the Implementing Regulation: coming into force 1st January 202832.

(1)

Part A of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation, as amended by Chapter 1 of this Part, is amended as follows.

(2)

In point UAS.OPEN.020(5)—

(a)

in point (zb), at the end, insert “and, if equipped with a camera, is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”;

(b)

in point (a), after “19 m/s” insert “and, if equipped with a camera, is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”;

(c)

in point (c), at the end insert “and, if equipped with a camera, is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system and geo-awareness function”.

(3)

In point UAS.OPEN.030(3)(b), at the end insert “and is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”.

(4)

In point UAS.OPEN.040(4)—

(a)

in point (za), at the end insert “and is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”;

(b)

in point (a), after “25 kg,”, insert “and is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”;

(c)

in point (e), at the end, insert “and is operated with active and updated direct remote identification system”.

Part 3 modifies the Implementing Regulation ((EU) 2019/947) in two chapters.

Chapter 1 (commencement January 1st, 2026) updates definitions in Article 2 to include terms like 'Delegated Regulation (EU Law version)' and 'relevant restricted areas' (Regulation 17).

Article 2A is inserted to exempt operations conducted wholly or mainly in an enclosed area without uninvolved persons present (Regulation 18).

Article 4 is updated to specify which UAS types are allowed in the 'open' category, including those under 100g MTOM or falling under specific Annex points (Regulation 19).

Article 12 is amended to give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) power to waive certain requirements (green light, remote ID) for 'specific' category operations in authorisations where the CAA deems there is a legitimate reason (Regulation 21(a)).

Article 14 mandates that UAS operators of drones with cameras and MTOM of 100g or more must register, and the CAA will only issue registration numbers to those 18 or older (Regulation 22).

Articles 20 and 22 are omitted, removing certain legacy permissions.

Article 20A is inserted to clarify how UAS complying with the EU version of the Delegated Regulation are treated in the UK until January 1st, 2028 (Regulation 24).

Significant amendments are made to Part A (Open Category) and Part B (Specific Category) of the Annex (Regulations 26–31), modifying subcategory names (A1/A2/A3 renaming), operational distances (e.g., A3 operations mandate 50m clear distance from buildings), and device requirements like lighting and remote ID activation (Regulation 31(a)(iii) delays green flashing light requirement if CAA authorizes waiver).

Chapter 2 (commencement January 1st, 2028) focuses on enforcing remote identification and geo-awareness on UAS in the 'open' category that were previously exempt due to being placed on the market before 2026, or by weight (Regulations 32, 33, 34).

These amendments require UAS meeting specified criteria (e.g., less than 250g MTOM but equipped with a camera) to operate with active remote identification and geo-awareness from this date.

Schedule 1Amendments to the names of the classes of UAS

Regulations 3 and 15

Part 1Amendment of the Delegated Regulation

1.

In the following provisions in Part 1 of the Annex, for “C0” substitute “UK0”—

(a)

the heading;

(b)

the words before the class identification label;

(c)

the words before point (1).

2.

In the following provisions in the Annex, for “C1” substitute “UK1”—

(a)

in Part 2—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before the class identification label;

(iii)

the words before point (1);

(b)

in Part 15, the table.

3.

In the following provisions in the Annex, for “C2”, in each place it occurs, substitute “UK2”—

(a)

in Part 3—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before the class identification label;

(iii)

the words before point (1);

(b)

in Part 15, the table.

4.

In the following provisions in the Annex, for “C3”, in each place it occurs, substitute “UK3”—

(a)

in Part 4—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before the class identification label;

(iii)

the words before point (1);

(b)

in Part 16, in the provisions setting out the requirements with which a C5 UAS shall comply, point (8);

(c)

in Part 16, in the provisions concerning accessories kits—

(i)

the words before point (1);

(ii)

point (1);

(iii)

point (3)(i).

5.

In the following provisions in Part 5 of the Annex, for “C4” substitute “UK4”—

(a)

the heading;

(b)

the words before the class identification label;

(c)

the words before point (1).

6.

In the following provisions, for “C5”, in each place it occurs, substitute “UK5”—

(a)

in Article 2, paragraph 1, point (b);

(b)

in Article 6—

(i)

paragraph 5;

(ii)

paragraph 11;

(c)

in Article 8, paragraph 10;

(d)

in Article 16, paragraph 2;

(e)

in the Annex, in Part 16—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before the class identification label;

(f)

in the Annex, in Part 16, in the provisions setting out the requirements with which a C5 UAS shall comply—

(i)

the words before point (1);

(ii)

point (8).

7.

In the following provisions, for “C6” substitute “UK6”—

(a)

in Article 6, paragraph 11;

(b)

in Article 8, paragraph 10;

(c)

in the Annex, in Part 17—

(i)

in the heading;

(ii)

in the words before the class identification label;

(iii)

in the words before point (1).

Part 2Amendment of the Implementing Regulation

8.

The Annex to the Implementing Regulation is amended as follows.

9.

In point UAS.OPEN.020(5)(c), for “C0” substitute “UK0”.

10.

In point UAS.OPEN.020(5)(d), for “C1” substitute “UK1”.

11.

In the following provisions, for “C2” substitute “UK2”—

(a)

UAS.OPEN.030, point (3)(a);

(b)

UAS.OPEN.040, point (4)(c).

12.

In UAS.OPEN.040, in point (4)(d), for “C3” substitute “UK3”.

13.

In UAS.OPEN.040, in point (4)(e), for “C4” substitute “UK4”.

Schedule 2Amendments to class identification labels

Regulation 4

1.

The Annex to the Delegated Regulation is amended as follows.

2.

In Part 1, for the class identification label substitute—

3.

In Part 2, for the class identification label substitute—

4.

In Part 3, for the class identification label substitute—

5.

In Part 4, for the class identification label substitute—

6.

In Part 5, for the class identification label substitute—

7.

In Part 16, for the class identification label substitute—

8.

In Part 17, for the class identification label substitute—

Schedule 3Amendments to the names of the subcategories of the ‘open’ category

Regulation 16

1.

The Annex to the Implementing Regulation is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this Schedule.

2.

In the following provisions, for “A1” substitute “Over People (A1)”—

(a)

in point UAS.OPEN.010, point (1);

(b)

in point UAS.OPEN.020—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before point (1);

(c)

point UAS.OPEN.060, point (1)(c).

3.

In the following provisions, for “A2” substitute “Near People (A2)”—

(a)

in point UAS.OPEN.010, point (1);

(b)

in point UAS.OPEN.030—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before point (1);

(c)

in point UAS.OPEN.050, point (7).

4.

In the following provisions, for “A3” substitute “Far from People (A3)”—

(a)

in point UAS.OPEN.010, point (1);

(b)

in point UAS.OPEN.030, point (2)(b);

(c)

in point UAS.OPEN.040—

(i)

the heading;

(ii)

the words before point (1);

(d)

in point UAS.OPEN.050, point (7).

Schedule 1 implements the renaming of UAS classes across both the Delegated Regulation (Part 1) and the Implementing Regulation (Part 2).

Part 1 substitutes 'C0' with 'UK0', 'C1' with 'UK1', 'C2' with 'UK2', 'C3' with 'UK3', 'C4' with 'UK4', 'C5' with 'UK5', and 'C6' with 'UK6' throughout the relevant sections and annex parts of the Delegated Regulation, ensuring all UK-specific certified classes start with 'UK'.

Part 2 performs the equivalent renaming ('C0' to 'UK0', 'C1' to 'UK1', etc.) in the Annex of the Implementing Regulation, updating references within the 'open' category operational rules (UAS.OPEN.020, .030, .040).

Schedule 2 amends the class identification labels in the Annex to the Delegated Regulation, replacing the original EU labels for C0 through C6 with new corresponding labels for UK0 through UK6.

Schedule 3 amends the Implementing Regulation Annex by renaming the subcategories within the 'open' category, effective from January 1st, 2026.

Subcategory A1 becomes 'Over People (A1)', A2 becomes 'Near People (A2)', and A3 becomes 'Far from People (A3)', updating the rule references accordingly.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Keir Mather

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Department for Transport

20th October 2025

This closing section confirms the instrument was signed on October 20th, 2025, by Keir Mather, acting as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 of 12 March 2019 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems (“the Delegated Regulation”) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft (“the Implementing Regulation”).

Part 2 makes the following amendments to the Delegated Regulation:

The names of classes of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) are amended: the “C” prefix in the names of classes is replaced with a “UK” prefix.
The class identification labels for UAS classes are amended.
Article 2 is amended so that UAS with a maximum take-off mass (“MTOM”) of less than 100g and UAS which are designed to be exclusively operated in areas which are wholly or mainly enclosed are excluded from the scope of the Regulation.
References to UAS that are toys within the meaning of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1881) are removed.
Article 13 is amended so that, until 1st January 2028, the internal production control method can be used for UK1, UK2 and UK3 UAS where the product is covered by a type assessment under the Delegated Regulation as it has effect in EU law and Part 7 of the Annex is amended accordingly.
Articles 18, 24, 25, 28 and 32, which concern conformity assessment bodies, are amended so that powers held by the Secretary of State are conferred on the market surveillance authority.
Article 40 (requirements for UAS operated in the ‘certified’ and ‘specific’ categories) is amended so that it provides that the requirements relating to direct remote identification in relation to an unmanned aircraft intended to be operated in the ‘specific’ category only apply if the unmanned aircraft is equipped with direct remote identification.
In Parts 1 to 5 of the Annex, which set out requirements which apply to UAS classes UK0-UK4, additional requirements which relate to serial numbers, direct remote identification and geo-awareness are inserted and will come into force on 1st January 2028.
Requirements relating to geo-awareness functions in Parts 1 to 5 of the Annex are amended so that these functions must include an interface to upload data on relevant restricted areas. A definition of ‘relevant restricted areas’ is inserted in Article 3.

Part 3 makes the following amendments to the Implementing Regulation:

The names of classes of UAS are amended.
The names of the subcategories of the ‘open’ category of operations are amended.
Article 2A, which provides that the Implementing Regulation does not apply to operations in an area which is wholly or mainly enclosed and where no uninvolved person is present, is inserted.
Article 12 is amended so that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) may disapply certain requirements in Part B of the Annex (UAS operations in the ‘specific’ category).
Article 14 is amended so that a UAS operator must register themselves when operating in the ‘open’ category with a UAS with a camera and a MTOM of 100g or more, and so that the CAA shall only issue a unique digital registration number to those who are at least 18 years of age.
Articles 20 and 22, which permitted the operation, in the ‘open’ category, of certain UAS which do not comply with the Delegated Regulation, are omitted.
Article 20A, which relates to UAS complying with the Delegated Regulation as it has effect in EU law, is inserted. Part A of the Annex is amended accordingly.
In the Annex, Part A (UAS operations in the ‘open’ category) and Part B (UAS operations in the ‘specific’ category) are amended. The amendments relate to the types of UAS which can operate in the ‘open’ category, the operational requirements of the three subcategories of the ‘open’ category and the operational requirements for the ‘specific’ category.
Requirements relating to geo-awareness functions in the Annex are amended so that they refer to relevant restricted areas. A definition of ‘relevant restricted areas’ is inserted in Article 2.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. De minimis impact assessments have been conducted in relation to geo-awareness requirements, direct remote identification requirements and other amendments made by this instrument. These de minimis assessments are available from the Department for Transport, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR and are published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside this instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.

The Explanatory Note formally summarises the effect of the Regulations on the two EU instruments.

Part 2 amendments to the Delegated Regulation include renaming C-classes to UK-classes, updating identification labels, excluding UAS under 100g MTOM or indoors from scope, removing 'toy' references, allowing temporary use of internal production control for UK1-UK3 until January 2028 based on EU type assessments, transferring oversight powers for conformity bodies to the market surveillance authority, and clarifying remote identification requirements for 'specific' category UAS. New requirements for serial numbers, remote ID, and geo-awareness for UK0-UK4 are inserted, effective 2028, and geo-awareness must now use defined 'relevant restricted areas'.

Part 3 amendments to the Implementing Regulation include renaming open category subcategories (A1, A2, A3), inserting Article 2A to exclude fully enclosed operations, allowing the CAA to disapply certain requirements for 'specific' operations (like flashing lights/remote ID), and setting an 18-year minimum age for UAS registration.

It also removes Articles 20 and 22 (legacy permissions) and inserts Article 20A concerning compliance with the EU version of the Delegated Regulation until 2028.

Further Annex amendments cover 'open' category operational details and enforce remote ID/geo-awareness on previously exempt UAS from January 2028.

It notes that no full impact assessment was required due to minimal foreseen impact on sectors.

View Source

Latest Legislation

The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025

22nd Oct 25

The Road Vehicles (Type-Approval) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025

22nd Oct 25

The Immigration (Electronic Travel Authorisations) (Jersey) Order 2025

22nd Oct 25

The Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025

21st Oct 25

The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

21st Oct 25