China's drone export licences from 18 November: does it affect your kit?

China has revised its export controls on drones and drone parts. From 18 November 2026, exporters in China need a licence for some complete drones, large motors and speed controllers, long carbon propellers, and certain radios and autopilots.

For complete drones, the line is control beyond line of sight plus either 3 hours' endurance, or 30 minutes to 3 hours with stable flight in gusts of 46.3 km/h (25 knots) or more. On DJI's published wind ratings, the common camera drones sit below that gust figure, though a wind rating isn't the same test and the decision is the exporter's.

The pilots most likely to notice are those who build or repair heavy-lift aircraft, or buy large crop sprayers, from China.

For full details and sources read our article here.

If you've asked a supplier about lead times since the announcement, what did they say?