New UK Drone Class Markings January 1, 2026:
This is what you need to know
From 1 January 2026, all new drones sold in the UK will use the UK class-marking system (UK0–UK6). Existing EU C-class drones (C0–C4) will still be recognised under the equivalent UK class mark: C0 > UK0 / C1 > UK1, and so on.
This means EU-marked drones can continue to be used, and in some cases, UK operators may enjoy greater operational freedoms.
Recognition of EU C-class drones will continue until 31 December 2027. After that, any C-marked drone without a UK class mark will be treated as a legacy aircraft.
| UK class mark/EU equivalent | Open category sub-categories |
| UK0, UK1 (C0, C1) | Over people (A1) |
| UK2 (C2) | Near people (A2, A2 CofC certification needed) |
| UK2 and C2 (without A2 CofC), UK3, UK4 (C3, C4) | Far from people |
From January 2026, drones without a class mark can still be flown. Their weight determines how they can operate in the Open Category. These are referred to as legacy drones.
More freedom for some drone operators:
A2 CofC holders can fly UK2 drones (or EU C2 drones until 31 Dec 2027) weighing up to 4 kg with enhanced safety features.
- In normal mode reduce the horizontal separation to 30-metres from uninvolved people
- In low-speed mode allow a 5-metres horizontal separation
The users of class-marked drones that weigh up to 900g will now be able to fly in the A1 subcategory of the Open Category which allows them to fly over people, but not crowds.
All up-to-date information will be found at: