The framework for Open Category product requirements on drones is referred to as ‘class marking’ and is based on retained EU law.
Assimilated EU law required updating before manufacturers could comply with the UAS class mark framework in the UK. The CAA published a consultation proposing updates to the UAS class mark framework and the Department for Transport (DfT) laid a statutory instrument to implement the proposed updates. From 1 January 2026, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) intended for use in the Open Category in the UK will be subject to a set of domestic product standards.
The product standards set out 7 classes of UAS, from UK0 class to UK6 class.
The UK UAS class marking framework sets out the functional requirements that UAS must meet to operate in the Open Category, including performance and reliability, geo-awareness, Remote ID and flashing lights. It also sets out requirements for how UAS should be labelled with their class marks, and how manufacturers should achieve compliance through conformity assessment.
Monitoring, surveillance and control of UAS class marks will be the responsibility of the newly established Market Surveillance Authority (MSA).
Consultation programme
In April 2022, we consulted on whether to extend the provisions for legacy and transitional category UAS Proposed extension to Legacy and Transitional UAS provisions in the Open Category (CAP 2344) (opens in new tab).
Following our consultation, DfT decided to extend the transition and legacy provisions to ensure that non-class-marked drones could continue to be used in the Open Category in the UK until 1 January 2026.
In November 2023, we set out proposals for UAS class marks and product standards in the UK in our Review of UK Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (CAP 2610) (opens in new tab).
In May 2025, we published our Review of UK UAS Regulation, Consultation Reply (CAP 3105) (opens in a new tab). We proposed the implementation of UK-specific product standards and class marks.
Alongside our consultation reply, we submitted our formal Opinion and Instruction Document to DfT.
Implementing the changes: September 2025
In Autumn 2025, the Department for Transport is planning on implementing the changes to the relevant regulations through a statutory instrument.