According to new regulations in Beijing (China), the ban not only applies to flight operations but also includes the possession and storage of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Owners must sell, recycle or move the equipment out of the city before the regulations take effect.
At some licensed purchasing points in Beijing, AFP recorded many people bringing drones to price and negotiate purchase prices. Police forces are also present at these locations.
Drone resale activities also take place at DJI stores in Beijing's commercial district. Many people have lined up to wait for procedures to resell devices before the prescribed time limit.
According to the procurement program, people can sell drones at approved locations and receive government support equivalent to 30% of the resale value, up to 3,000 yuan (nearly 450 USD), if implemented before October 31. From November 1-14, the support level is reduced to 15%.
In addition to reselling, owners can take the device for recycling to receive 200 yuan (about 30 USD), or send the drone out of Beijing without paying shipping fees.
A device owner in the city believes that the new regulation is reasonable and understandable from the requirements of ensuring safety and airspace management. This person bought the drone about 6 years ago for 6,000 yuan (about 896 USD) and hopes to resell it for at least 1,000 yuan (nearly 150 USD).
The new regulation was issued in the context of Beijing strengthening measures to ensure airspace safety. In June, a light plane crashed into Beijing's tallest building, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, by the end of 2025, the country had over 3.2 million registered drones. However, the actual number of devices may be higher because drone ownership registration is not mandatory in most areas.
On social networks, some people in Beijing posted articles saying goodbye to their drones before the new regulation took effect.
