The ministry came up with liberal drone rules in August 2021.
New Delhi, The Central Government has taken a big decision on Wednesday. The government has banned the import of foreign drones with few exceptions as part of efforts to promote domestic manufacturing of drones in the country. However, import of drones for research and development (R&D), defense and security purposes is exempted with certain conditions.
“No approval will be required for import of components of drones,” a release issued today by the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.
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In order to promote Made in India drones, the import of foreign drones has been banned with effect from February 9, 2022, the ministry said. The ministry came up with liberal drone rules in August 2021.
“No approval will be required for import of components of drones,” said a release issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a notification banning the import of foreign drones.
DGFT said, import of drones in CBU (Completely Built Up) / CKD (Completely Knocked Down) / SKD (Semi Knocked Down) form is prohibited. Approval has to be obtained for search and development, defense and security purposes.
Drones in CBU, SKD or CKD form will be allowed to be imported by government entities, educational institutions recognized by the central or state government, R&D institutions recognized by the government and drone manufacturers. This will be subject to import authorization issued by DGFT in consultation with the concerned Ministries.
Import of drones for defense and security purposes will be permitted in CBU, SKD or CKD form, subject to import authorization issued by DGFT in consultation with the concerned Ministries.