Singapore to Implement Mandatory Unmanned Aircraft Registration

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will implement mandatory registration for unmanned aircraft (UA) from 2 January 2020.

Any UA, such as a drone, with a total weight above 250 grams must be registered with the CAAS before it can be operated in Singapore.

The registration process involves the purchase of a registration label bearing a unique UA registration number, followed by submission of a photo of the UA affixed with the registration label.

A registration fee of $15 per UA will be collected at the point of purchase of the registration label.

From 2 January 2020, the labels can be purchased online via the CAAS or SingPost website, or over the counter at 27 designated SingPost post offices. If purchasing online via the CAAS or SingPost website, users should allow up to five working days for the registration label to be mailed to them.

Registrants must be 16 years old and above at the point of registration of their UA. Once the label is obtained, users will need to complete the registration process at the online UA portal by providing some basic personal details and information on the UA as well as uploading a photo of their UA affixed with the registration label.

UA users will have a 3-month grace period from 2 January 2020 to register their UA. From 2 April 2020, it will be an offence to operate or fly an unregistered UA in Singapore. Offenders could face a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS, said, “Mandatory UA registration is an important part of our enhanced regulatory framework to ensure that UA can be used in Singapore safely. To further encourage UA users to fly responsibly, we will also be stepping up efforts to educate and help UA users comply with regulations.”

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