There is still some ambiguity regarding the topic “Can you bring a drone to India?”
We’ve done thorough research to clarify this question and answer everything you need to know about bringing a drone to India.
Drone operations in India are no longer completely banned; there’s a new policy. The revised drone policy issued on the 26th of August, 2021 by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated that drone operations are allowed in India provided that:
- The operator is registered
- The operator has permission to fly and is ready to adhere to the rules of flight by MoCA.
Unfortunately, foreigners are still prohibited from flying drones in India.
If you’re a foreigner who would like to operate a drone in India for commercial purposes, you can bring your drone into the country, and lease it to an Indian company, which can then register and operate the drone on your behalf.
You are permitted to carry a drone with you into India on a plane, provided that you have prior authorization. First, you need to obtain an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunication. Then, you need to apply to DGCA for import clearance. A drone without these authorizations will be confiscated at customs.
Before you bring your drone to India, it’s important to understand the classification for unmanned aircraft systems.
Let’s dive in.
Unmanned aircraft system classifications in India
The rules guiding drone operations in India usually follow these classifications. The classification is based on the weight of the aircraft. See the categories below:
- Nano unmanned aircraft system – An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) weighing 250 grams or less. You don’t need a permit to fly this aircraft system except if you fly near airports or sensitive facilities. The highest height you can fly is 50ft above ground level.
- Micro unmanned aircraft system – A UAS system that weighs 250 grams to 2 kilograms. You must have a permit except for non-commercial usage. Also, ensure you don’t fly more than 200ft above ground level.
- Small unmanned aircraft system – A UAS system that weighs between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms.
- Medium unmanned aircraft system – This UAS weighs between 25 and 150 kilograms.
- Large unmanned aircraft system – They weigh over 150 kilograms.
Registration is required for all the UAS categories highlighted above except for the Nano UAS category.
DGCA regulations for drone use in India
Drones are now allowed in India but are subject to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations. Also, no drones can be operated except if registered on the Digital Sky Platform and if they have a Unique Identification Number.
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for laying down rules and regulations applicable to the use of drones.
Depending on whether they are used commercially or recreationally, different sets of rules apply:
Commercial
If you want to fly drones for commercial purposes, you first need permission from DGCA. To do this, you must get an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP). You can only use the UAOP for five years.
Also, before every flight, drone operators must fill out a “no-objection certificate” with their local police department. To receive the UAOP in the first place, applicants must go through training at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO).
Recreational
Anyone wishing to use a drone recreationally must follow the DGCA’s ‘Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules 2016’.
These rules apply to drones that weigh more than 250 grams and require users to obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) from the DGCA before operating such drones.
Furthermore, recreational drone operators must also procure a no-objection certificate from local law enforcement before every flight.
» MORE: Can You Bring a Drone to Qatar?
Traveling with a drone through customs
Before the importation, you must obtain an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunication for operating in a dedicated frequency band (WPC Wing). After that, you apply for DGCA for import clearance, except if you fall in the Nano Category.
If you don’t follow this process, you might be arrested and tagged as an importer or smuggler. This is because the importation of drones is banned in India.
When bringing the Nano drone on a plane, ensure you take it out of the box and remove the batteries. The batteries can be kept in cabin luggage, while other parts can be kept in the check-in or cabin luggage.
For micro, small and medium drones, remove the batteries and keep them in the cabin luggage and the other parts in the check-in luggage. Also, ensure that you inform your airline carrier beforehand.
Spare batteries with less than 100 Watt-hours or up to 160 Watt-hours can be kept in the cabin luggage, while the batteries with over 160 Watt-hours should be shipped as cargo.
General rules for flying a drone in India
These are the rules laid down by the DGCA for drone operators in India:
- Ensure you comply with Digital Sky’s “No permission, No take-off” rule unless you are operating a Nano unmanned aircraft system.
- Attach the Unique Identification Number you obtain from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) to your drone.
- Obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Permit from DGCA. Also, obtain a permit from the Digital Sky Platform for each flight you take.
- Avoid flying a drone near aircraft (manned and unmanned). The same applies to airports and helicopters, except if you fill out a flight plan 24 hours before the operation.
- Don’t fly a drone in a group of people or at public events. This is to avoid disturbance or causing inconvenience.
- Avoid no-drone zones like military bases and government facilities. Flying toward those areas will get you penalized.
- Seek owner permission before flying over private property. Flying a drone over personal property is inappropriate unless you’re given permission to do so.
- Avoid flying drones from a moving vehicle or aircraft. This is to ensure a safe flight.
- Avoid flying drones that are in poor condition. Drones in poor condition can cause accidents.
- Ensure you fly a drone in daylight and watch out for the weather conditions.
- Avoid flying drones outside of your visual line of sight.
About India’s No Permission, No Takeoff Policy
India’s No Permission, No Takeoff (NPNT) policy requires all drone operators first to register their drones and then request permission to fly via a mobile app. This app will automatically process the request and grant or reject it.
If the drone pilot tries to take off without obtaining permission from the Digital Sky Platform, they will be unable to do so.
This policy is designed to ensure that all drones flying in India are doing so safely and securely. In addition, it ensures that all drone operators know where and when they are allowed to fly their craft, as well as any restrictions that may apply for certain flights.
It also provides a way for authorities to track the location of the drones at all times, allowing them to respond quickly to any potential security or safety issues.
It is important for all drone operators to abide by the rules set out in this policy or risk facing fines or other penalties.
Risk of flying a drone illegally in India
Breaking any of the rules above can attract huge fines. For instance, flying a drone without a license earns you a fine of up to Rs 25,000. You’ll pay INR 50,000 for flying over the “No permission, No take-off’ zones.
Aside from paying fines, you might be arrested, not to mention embarrassed. To avoid a scenario like this, ensure you comply with the drone operation rules.