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Taiwan to require drone sellers to register, label new models
Taiwan will require drone sellers to register and label key product information on new models starting December 2, according to the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA).
Sellers who do not comply face fines between NT$10,000 and NT$1.5 million (US$318 to US$47,800).
Manufacturers must submit details such as brand, model, maker information, maximum takeoff weight, cybersecurity test results, inspection documents, and radio certification from the National Communications Commission (NCC) to the CAA’s drone management system.
This data must also appear on the drone and its packaging.
Importers and agents for foreign drone brands must use the new Import Regulation Code 617 for remote-controlled drones, as required by the International Trade Administration (ITA), for customs clearance.
Drones weighing 2 kilograms or more require CAA approval at customs, while lighter drones need prior authorization from Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI).
Individuals building their own drones must also register them.
The new rules stem from recent amendments to Taiwan’s drone laws announced in November 2024.
🔗 Source: Focus Taiwan
🧠 Food for thought
Implications, context, and why it matters.
CAA notice on Taiwan drone rules leaves compliance details unspecified
- New drone rules in Taiwan require cybersecurity test results plus several certifications while the CAA notice leaves the applicable standard, label format and any grace period for existing stock unclear 1.
- Import Regulation Code 617 adds work for importers and agents of foreign brands 1.
- Taiwan has over 40,000 registered drones and 20,000 qualified operators 2. This signals an active market for these rules 2.
- Importers for foreign brands must upload to the CAA system, get NCC radio approval, secure Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) prior authorization then meet labeling rules 1.
Single service for Taiwan drone approvals could win foreign brand share
- Makers with local distributors juggle CAA registration and NCC radio approval, BSMI prior authorization, plus ITA Code 617 customs filing with packaging updates 1.
- A Software as a Service (SaaS) platform with managed support could map the workflow, automate CAA submissions then coordinate NCC and BSMI approvals then track labeling rules for Taiwan entry 1.
- Most customs documents in Taiwan must be in Chinese to avoid delays, which lifts willingness to pay for compliance help 3.
- The European Union drone label system had a three year transition and strict design rules, which hints at similar complexity in Taiwan that service firms can tackle 4.
- By the end of 2027, only certified and registered drones can be used for organizational activities in Taiwan, covering operations by companies, government agencies, schools plus nonprofits 2.
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