CE Marking for Drones: Key Updates in 2024 on Delegated Act and Standards Development

In 2024, the European Commission introduced key updates concerning the CE marking requirements for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). CE marking is a legal requirement for placing drones on the EU market, indicating that they meet the necessary safety, health, and environmental standards. The latest developments include the adoption of a delegated act and the advancement of harmonized standards specifically for drones, presenting significant regulatory considerations for manufacturers and market operators.

Delegated Act for UAS CE Marking

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 establishes requirements for CE marking of drones and their associated equipment within the European Union, aiming to ensure these devices meet strict safety, environmental, and performance standards. This regulation applies to all types of drones. It addresses both privately operated drones (in open and specific categories) and those used for professional purposes.

Under the regulation, manufacturers are responsible for carrying out conformity assessments, ensuring that each drone model meets essential requirements, such as safety, cybersecurity, privacy, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental standards. Manufacturers must perform a conformity assessment, provide technical documentation, and, in some cases, engage with notified bodies. Only drones with CE marking can legally be marketed or used within the EU, ensuring their safe integration into European airspace.

In 2024, several updates to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on CE marking for drones have been introduced, enhancing compliance requirements and clarity for manufacturers and operators:

Class Identification Labels (CIL):

Starting January 1, 2024, drones are required to have a Class Identification Label (CIL) that specifies their operational category, such as C0 to C4, based on their intended use, weight, and operational risks.

Mandatory Software Updates:

The regulation mandates that drones support software updates essential for safety and regulatory compliance. Manufacturers are required to inform operators of critical updates, and certain classes of drones may include mechanisms to enforce updates before allowing operation, ensuring all users have access to the latest safety features.

Cybersecurity Measures:

To safeguard data and prevent unauthorized access, the regulation enforces cybersecurity protocols that protect the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of drone operations and data. The regulation also requires manufacturers to build in cybersecurity resilience to reduce risks of unauthorized access or data breaches, which is critical for maintaining trust in the safe use of drones across various environments.

Remote Identification Requirements:

Drones in the EU now also need remote identification capabilities, as stipulated in newly harmonized standards. These allow authorities to track drones in real time, which is especially crucial for maintaining airspace safety in populated areas. This update aligns with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and supports broader initiatives for urban and Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) solutions.

Enhanced Testing and Certification by Notified Bodies:

For certain high-risk classes, manufacturers are required to involve third-party notified bodies for additional oversight.

Standardization Bodies: CEN and CENELEC

The development of harmonized standards that align with the CE marking requirements for UAS is spearheaded by two key standardization bodies: the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). CEN-CENELEC’s Joint Technical Committee 20 (JTC 20) is dedicated to developing harmonized standards for drones (UAS) to support compliance with CE marking requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945.

In 2024, JTC 20 made significant advancements in standardization for drones, focusing on CE marking and counter-drone (C-UAS) capabilities. Among the key developments, JTC 20 published CWA 18150:2024, which introduces a standardized framework for detecting, tracking, and identifying drones, especially in sensitive environments like airports and public events.

Additionally, JTC 20 continued to refine standards to support the compliance of drones with CE marking requirements. This includes updated specifications within the prEN 4709 series, which ensure drones meet safety and technical requirements across different classes (C0-C4) as stipulated in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945. These standards cover aspects such as product durability, cybersecurity, and environmental safety, helping drone manufacturers align with regulatory needs for EU market access.

Expert Assistance with CE Marking for drones

For manufacturers navigating these complex requirements, Certification Company, acting as technical and legal expert, can provide guidance throughout the CE marking process. From answering regulatory questions to assisting in compliance strategies, their expertise ensures manufacturers meet all necessary standards efficiently and effectively. Engaging with these experts can be critical in achieving CE marking and entering the EU market with compliant drones or related products.