EU Drone Port has reached a significant milestone in drone technology. The startup has been officially recognised by the European Commission as a Notified Body for drone certification. This recognition follows accreditation by the National Accreditation Entity and notification by the State Aviation Safety Agency, making it one of five drone certification gateways in Europe.
State of Regulatory Affairs in Drone Technology
Until recently, anyone could manufacture and sell drones without restrictions, posing potential safety risks. From 1st January 2024, a new European regulation mandates that all drone manufacturers undergo a rigorous certification process to ensure the safety of drones operating in European airspace.
What Does This Mean for Drone Manufacturers Worldwide?
Any drone manufacturer wishing to market their aircraft in the European Union and EFTA must choose one of the five certification bodies recognised by the European Commission, including EU Drone Port.
Certification for a Wide Range of Drones
In Europe, drones are classified into seven categories, from the smallest to those weighing 25 kg for specific tasks. EU Drone Port is one of the two certification bodies capable of certifying all seven categories.
Global Recognition
Certifications issued by EU Drone Port will be recognised by all national authorities within the EU and EFTA. Additionally, through international agreements, their reports and certificates will be recognised by accreditation bodies in over 100 countries worldwide.
EU Drone Port
Founded in 2021, EU Drone Port is based in Barcelona with a specialised testing centre in the Pyrenees region. It serves as a hub for drone testing, training pilots from around the world, and processing over 500 flight permits monthly across Europe.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Marc Beltran, CEO of EU Drone Port.
“This type of recognition is usually reserved for laboratories with more than 20,000 employees. However, we have demonstrated that determination and perseverance are key. We look forward to evaluating drones from around the world and contributing to the safety and professionalism of the drone sector in Europe.”