European Union Aviation Safety Agency
EASA is the EU agency that sets civil aviation safety standards. Drone operations across EASA member states are governed by two regulations: (EU) 2019/947 (operations) and (EU) 2019/945 (drone class marking, C0–C6). The Open Category has three sub-categories — A1 (Over People), A2 (Near People), A3 (Far from People) — based on drone class mark or weight. From 1 January 2024, only drones <250 g (A1) or <25 kg (A3) without a class mark may operate in Open Category; all others require a C-class label.
Overview
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
2002
Supranational Agency
NL
EASA, European Aviation Safety Agency
Notable Facts
Important information about drone regulations
Unit Systems
Measurement units used in this regulator's jurisdiction
Weight
Kilograms (kg)
Distance
metric
Altitude
Meters (m)
Speed
Kilometers per hour (km/h)
Regulations
Current regulations and frameworks for drone operations
| Title | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Rules for UAS OperationsRegulation (EU) 2019/947 | December 31, 2020 |
| Transition Period for Legacy DronesCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/746 | June 9, 2020 |
| UAS Placed on the Market (Class Marks)Regulation (EU) 2019/945 | June 15, 2019 |
Official Resources
About this regulatory authority
Country
NL
Region
National
Type
Supranational Agency
Updated
8/5/2026
Contact Information
How to reach European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Weight Thresholds
Drone weight categories and associated requirements
| Weight | Category | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Grams (g) | A1 C1 | Required |
| 900 Grams (g) | A2 Near People | Required |
| 4000 Grams (g) | A3 Far From People | Required |
| 25000 Grams (g) | Specific Category | Required |