What is a stock drone?

European drone legislation has also introduced drone classes (C0 to C6) . All drones that cannot be categorised in one of the classes, i.e. do not yet have EU certification, are referred to as existing drones. This applies to all drones sold by 31 December 2023.

If you have purchased a drone model before 31 December 2023 that is considered a certified drone on the market, you may be able to have it recertified by the manufacturer.

An overview of all certified drone models on the EU market is available here.

But what applies to my existing drone? Can I still use it legally?

Yes, but since 01.01.2024 only under the following restrictions

• under 250g may only be flown in sub-category A1 (without a drone licence, close to people and in residential areas)
• from 250g may only be flown in sub-category A3 (with A1/A3 proof of competence = small drone driving licence, far away from people, 150m distance from residential, commercial and recreational areas)