Taiwan aims to put into place comprehensive regulations on remote-controlled drones by the end of 2027. The Transport and Communications Ministry’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), alongside other ministries, is set to implement the regulations in December.
As of June, Taiwan has over 40,000 registered drones and more than 20,000 qualified operators. CAA Deputy Director-General Lin Jiunn-liang (林俊良)says that drone technology is evolving in two directions: larger, high-flying drones and smaller, more sophisticated drones with enhanced capabilities. The CAA has revised the regulations on remote-controlled drones requiring all drones weighing over 500 grams to undergo inspections. Liu says drones under 2 kilograms will be handled by the Economics Ministry and those over 2 kilograms by the CAA.
Starting from December 2024, all drones sold in Taiwan must comply with the new regulations, including cybersecurity checks, proper inspection and domestic drone manufacturers will also be required to obtain a factory registration certificate. By December 2027, only certified and registered drones will be allowed for organizational activities. Pre-existing drones will need to comply with these requirements upon renewal of their inspection certificates.
The minimum age for a student remote pilot license will also be lowered from 16 to 14 years to encourage drone literacy and the validity period for operating licenses will be extended from two to three years.