When is the drone class marking system coming into effect in the UK?

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that the drone class marking system will come into force on January 1, 2026. From this date, drones in the Open Category will need to comply with new product standards.

Learn more from our blog about drone class markings. It provides an overview of the upcoming changes and includes tables explaining the categories in more detail, as well as which category your drone falls under.

EASA class markings table:

C Class

Max Takeoff Mass

Subcategory

C0*

<250g

A1

C1

<900g

A1

C2

<4kg

A2

Operator must have A2 CofC

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

*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)

** 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)