Every drone operated in the open category must bear a class identification label (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4). Drones without class identification labels fall into a transitional category. Slightly different rules apply in this category.
Transitional provisions for drones without class markings
The first drones with a class identification label are available since the end of 2022. There products will meet the current requirements and can be used without restriction.
Rules for drones without class identification labels
The regulations for drones with a class identification label also apply in principle to drones without a class identification label. The only difference is that drones without a class identification label are classified into subcategories based on their weight and not on the class identification label. They can be flown under the rules of the transitional category, which become more restrictive over time:
| Weight | Certificate | Operation according to | Additional operating restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| <250g | Not required | A1 | None |
| <500g | A1/A3 | A1 | None |
| <2kg | A1/A3 + A2 | A2 | None (see decision BBl 2023 832) |
| <25kg | A1/A3 | A3 | None |
| Weight | Certificate | Operation according to | Additional operating restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| <250g | Not required | A1 | None |
| <25kg | A1/A3 | A3 | None |
I am always allowed to operate my drone in a "higher" subcategory as well.
Example: If my drone weighs 1.5kg, I am allowed to operate it in subcategory A2 as well as A3. If I decide to operate the drone according to the more restrictive requirements of subcategory A3, I do not need an A2 certificate.
Further Information
Legislation
Publications
FAQ limited open transitional category (PDF, 147 kB, 23.02.2022)Leaflet that summarizes the most important points to the transitional limited ‘open’ category.
Last modification 11.08.2023
