From 1 January 2026, drones operating in the Open Category – which covers low-risk drone flights and leisure activities – will be subject to product standards under a framework known as ‘Class Marking’, improving the safety and security of the sector.

The current transition period for the Open category is due to expire on 1 January 2026, and there were question marks about what would happen next. Today’s announcement provides visibility and clarity that the UK is moving towards adopting drone class marking, which is excellent news.

This is a long awaited outcome of the 2023 “Review of UK UAS Regulations” consultation. Back then, elements of our response to the consultation on the matter were:

• “Implementing product requirements is a great step forward, so that the safety risk mitigation is not only on the remote pilot but also on the system.”

• “In terms of product class marking, we certainly see the benefit of taking the class marking/ flight worthiness/ product quality assurance that have been done and funded  by other Tier 1 reliable markets such as the USA, the EU, Canada, Australia…  and not spending resourcing unnecessarily on it, especially in the Open category where these are global products.”

Our understanding is that the CAA will take advantage of class marking delivered by other major jurisdictions, like EASA, especially since a reasonable pool of drones are now vetted under the European class-marking scheme.

Why is the introduction of Class Marking good news?

At the moment, the A1 250g+ and A2 subcategories within the Open category are somehow useless, and that is because matching class-marked drones were not introduced.

Today, for commercial operations, flying in the Open category is probably mostly either flying in A1 with a sub 250g drone, or flying in A3 with a sub 25kg drone.

The minimum distance of 50m from uninvolved person means that this A2 subcategory is almost useless for commercial operations in an urban environment.

The introduction of class marking means that more operations will be accessible in the Open category, because the product requirements will contribute to the safety argument.

We should start asking ourselves a few questions…. including on Professionalism… Is a A2 CofC sufficient proof of remote pilot competency when operating very close from uninvolved people? Subject to what would really be authorised in A2, would a GVC be more appropriate as a minimum training level in urban environments in A2?

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC) provides basic theoretical knowledge and does not include practical flight training or assessments. While it allows drone operators to fly closer to uninvolved people under certain conditions, it does not sufficiently prepare pilots for the complexities of urban environments, where risks are higher due to dense populations, obstacles, and unpredictable scenarios. The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), on the other hand, includes both theoretical and practical assessments, ensuring pilots can demonstrate safe operational practices, emergency handling, and risk mitigation strategies.

Given the challenges of flying in urban settings, we query whether the GVC should become the minimum training requirement to ensure competency, improve public safety, and maintain professional standards in drone operations.

What is a Market Surveillance Authority MSA for drone Class Marking?

Formally, on Monday 17 March 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, named the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK’s drone Market Surveillance Authority (MSA). The MSA will be responsible for ensuring required standards for drones are met by manufacturers, as well as importers and distributors, and intervening when there is non-compliance. It means drone users will have more confidence that drones they purchase are safe and comply with safety standards.

This move positions the CAA as the lead authority responsible for setting and enforcing product standards for unmanned aircraft. It’s a significant step that promises greater regulatory clarity, better alignment with international norms, and enhanced safety across the sector.

Possibly some incremental steps will be put in place after 1 Jan 2026?

Our understanding is that changes in the Open category requires legislative change, because the Open Category is written in the 2019/047 itself – or at least decision making at Department for Transport DfT ministerial level.

It may be that not everything is fully in place from Day 1 on 1 January 2026, in which case we can assume that an incremental transition would be organised. Possibly drones that have already received class-marking or equivalent in other jurisdictions like EASA could be reviewed and class-marked in the UK by the CAA. Assessment of drones or UAS without any form of class-marking, requiring full review by the CAA, would take longer.

Providing a transition period for the pool of existing drones without Class Marking to maintain active use and relevance on 1 Jan 2026

In 2026, UAS without class marks will have been used routinely, safely, under the current Open category regime. It would make sense to offer a transition period during which they can be operated under the same transitional regime as today for a few years – until they become obsolete.

ARPAS-UK will keep you informed on this major industry step

For the UK drone industry, now is the time to stay informed and actively engage with these developments. As you know, the devil can be in the details, but we are confident.

Whether you’re a drone operator, a manufacturer, or another stakeholder, being proactive will ensure you’re ready for the coming changes.

If you’re not yet a member, join our community and stay informed with ARPAS-UK

Read the full CAA Press Release

December 2022 post on the open category period extension: Open category transition period extended to 1 Jan 2026. No Class marking in the UK (at all or at least for now). – ARPAS UK

24 March 2025