EASA issues reminder on drone identification labels

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a reminder today (December 3) that drone identification labels are mandatory.

After a three-year transition period, the drone C-class identification labels (CILs) became applicable on 1 January 2024. Since then, only drones labeled with CILs are allowed to be operated under the standard scenarios of the Open Category in and across the EASA Member States. 

CILs indicate the class of the drone and communicate important information about the drone’s compliance, capabilities, and operational limitations. Airspace management organisations may also use CILs to monitor and manage drone traffic in different airspace classes in various contexts.

EASA reminds manufacturers that they are required to ensure that the drone CIL is visibly, legibly, and indelibly affixed on the drone or, where relevant, on each accessory, packaging, manual, registration document, etc. “Any alternative labels or any deviation in the label’s look, font or any other alteration of the label design are not permitted,” EASA states. “The affixing to a product of any markings, signs, or inscriptions that are likely to mislead third parties about the meaning or form of the CIL is also not allowed.”