Drone classes C0 to C6: which EASA label for which drone
Guide · Unmanned aircraft
C0 to C6 are the seven EU drone class identification labels defined by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945: C0 under 250 g, C1 under 900 g, C2 under 4 kg, C3 and C4 under 25 kg, plus C5 and C6 for the Specific-category standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02. The class label sits on top of the CE marking and conditions the operating rules permitted under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which distinguishes the Open, Specific and Certified categories. The manufacturer is responsible for the former regulation; the operator for the latter. This page documents the seven product classes, the technical requirements attached to each, the articulation with the operating categories, the conformity assessment route, the comparison with the FAA framework and the common pitfalls at the moment of placing on the market.
TL;DR:
- C0 (< 250 g), C4, C5 and C6 can be self-declared under module A, per article 13(2)(a) of Regulation 2019/945; only C1, C2 and C3 require a notified body.
- Direct Remote ID is mandatory for C1, C2, C3, C5 and C6; geo-awareness is mandatory only for C1, C2 and C3, and is optional for C5 and C6. Neither applies to C0 or C4.
- Open-category mapping: C0 and C1 fly in A1, C2 in A2 (30 m from people, 5 m in low-speed mode), C2, C3 and C4 in A3.
- C5 (STS-01, VLOS) and C6 (STS-02, BVLOS) serve the Specific category; no EU class is automatically recognised by the FAA.
Two regulations, two responsibilities
Section titled “Two regulations, two responsibilities”Regulation (EU) 2019/945, in force since 1 July 2019 and amended on several occasions, is a product regulation under the New Legislative Framework. It applies to the manufacturer and the authorised representative established in the Union. It imposes the CE marking, defines the C0 to C6 identification classes, and sets the conformity assessment modules. Its legal basis cites Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 (EASA basic regulation).
Regulation (EU) 2019/947, in force since 31 December 2020, is an implementing regulation. It applies to the operator, whether professional or recreational. It defines three operating categories, sets up operator registration, and subjects certain operations to a prior authorisation.
| Regulation | Actor | Subject | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| (EU) 2019/945 | Manufacturer | UAS product technical requirements, classes C0 to C6, CE marking | EU declaration of conformity |
| (EU) 2019/947 | Operator | Open / Specific / Certified categories, flight rules, authorisations | Registration, STS declaration, operational authorisation |
The articulation between the two is conditional: a drone operated in Open A1 or A2 must belong to a specific product class (C0, C1 or C2 depending on the sub-case). Conversely, an unclassified drone reaches the Open category only through the narrow gates of Regulation 2019/947: privately built under UAS.OPEN.020(5)(a) for A1 or UAS.OPEN.040(4)(a) for A3, or placed on the market before 1 January 2024 under Article 20. The Article 22 transitional period closed on 31 December 2023. The Specific category accepts C5 or C6 drones for standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02, or non-classified drones subject to an operational authorisation issued by the national authority (DGAC in France, CAA in Ireland, LBA in Germany, etc.).
For the neighbouring regimes, see CE pillar and RED pillar, the radio directive applying to the ground-to-drone link and the remote controller.
What are the seven drone classes C0 to C6?
Section titled “What are the seven drone classes C0 to C6?”The Annex to Regulation 2019/945 details the technical requirements of each class in Parts 1 to 6 and then 16 and 17. The thresholds below come from the consolidated text in force on the date of this page.
Summary table
Section titled “Summary table”| Class | Maximum take-off mass (MTOM) | Speed / energy | Remote ID + geo-awareness | Typical operating category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C0 | < 250 g | speed < 19 m/s | Not required | Open A1 |
| C1 | < 900 g or impact energy < 80 J | speed limit | Yes | Open A1 (with restrictions) |
| C2 | < 4 kg | low-speed mode < 3 m/s required | Yes | Open A2 |
| C3 | < 25 kg, characteristic dimension < 3 m | no specific speed limit | Yes | Open A3 |
| C4 | < 25 kg | no automation beyond basic stabilisation | Not required | Open A3 (model aircraft) |
| C5 | < 25 kg (C3 variant) | low-speed mode < 5 m/s, flight termination | Remote ID yes, geo-awareness optional | Specific, STS-01 |
| C6 | < 25 kg | max ground speed < 50 m/s, operational-volume containment | Remote ID yes, geo-awareness optional | Specific, STS-02 |
The thresholds above are the cardinal values of the text. The detailed requirements (sound level in dB(A), battery voltage, physical identifier marking, behaviour on link loss) are specified article by article in the Annex. Any value outside these thresholds pushes the product out of class.
C0, the lightweight drone
Section titled “C0, the lightweight drone”The C0 class targets the lightest UAS, typically nano consumer drones. Maximum take-off mass is less than 250 g. Maximum horizontal speed is limited to 19 m/s. Maximum altitude above the take-off point is capped at 120 m. No direct Remote ID is required by the product regulation, nor geo-awareness.
One nuance: when a C0 falls within the scope of Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys, that is, a drone designed for users under 14, the toy requirements stack on top (mechanical, chemical, electrical tests under EN 71). Conformity remains self-declared under Module A, but the technical documentation must cover both sets of requirements. A non-toy C0 (adult consumer) falls only under 2019/945.
Typical examples: DJI Mini 2 SE, DJI Mini 3, Autel Nano. These products carry the C0 label engraved or printed, visible after assembly.
C1, the lightweight urban-use drone
Section titled “C1, the lightweight urban-use drone”C1 admits a take-off mass below 900 g, or alternatively an impact energy on fall below 80 J. The second criterion opens the door to heavier products with limited speed, since kinetic energy is the product of mass by the square of velocity. Direct Remote ID is mandatory, as is geo-awareness (capability to accept and interpret geographical zones data).
Direct remote identification is defined at Article 3, point 31 of the regulation; the requirement itself is Part 2, point 12 of the Annex for C1, with the same wording at Part 3, point 14 for C2 and Part 4, point 9 for C3, while Part 6 covers the separate remote identification add-on. It broadcasts in clear, by radio (typically Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), the operator identifier, the UAS position, the pilot position, the altitude and the timestamp. The broadcast is continuous during the flight and accessible to any compatible receiver. Geo-awareness accepts zone data (UAS Zones published by each Member State) and alerts the pilot on incursion.
Conformity: third-party assessment. The manufacturer cannot self-declare a C1. Article 13(2) leaves it two routes: Part 8, that is Module B, EU type-examination by a notified body, paired with Module C, conformity to type based on internal production control; or Part 9, Module H, full quality assurance, where a quality system covering design and production is assessed. The same wording appears in the C1 practical example lower down the page and should be corrected there too.
C2, the versatile professional drone
Section titled “C2, the versatile professional drone”C2 goes up to 4 kg at take-off. It requires a low-speed mode selectable by the pilot, capped at 3 m/s, intended to allow operations in Open A2 (overflight of uninvolved persons at a horizontal distance of at least 30 m, or 5 m in low-speed mode). Remote ID and geo-awareness are mandatory as in C1.
The C2 must also integrate a light signal and a protection against command link loss (automatic return procedure or landing). A unique physical identifier is affixed on the airframe, visible without disassembly.
C3, the agricultural, photogrammetric or transport drone
Section titled “C3, the agricultural, photogrammetric or transport drone”C3 is the upper threshold of the Open category. Maximum mass 25 kg, characteristic dimension (the largest distance between two points of the UAS, typically the rotor-to-rotor diagonal) below 3 m. No specific speed limit beyond operational constraints. Remote ID and geo-awareness are mandatory.
C3 is typically used in agriculture (spraying, observation), in mapping, in industrial inspection, sometimes in light transport. It is operated in Open A3 (away from people, at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas).
C4, model aircraft
Section titled “C4, model aircraft”C4 is a derogation for model aircraft. Mass up to 25 kg, but the drone must not have any automatic mode beyond basic stabilisation (no automatic return, no programmed trajectory tracking). This class accommodates amateur or semi-amateur built drones and traditional radio-controlled planes and helicopters.
One specificity: C4 has no Remote ID requirement in the product regulation, and geo-awareness is not mandatory. It is the only Open class exempt from these two requirements alongside C0. Conformity is still assessed according to the applicable modules.
C5 and C6, the Specific classes
Section titled “C5 and C6, the Specific classes”C5 and C6 were added by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1058, filling the gap between the Open classes and operations in the Specific category.
The C5 is a variant of C3 designed for the standard scenario STS-01 of Regulation 2019/947. STS-01 covers VLOS (visual line of sight) operations over ground-controlled areas in predominantly populated environments. C5 adds to the C3 requirements a selectable low-speed mode capped at 5 m/s, height information to the remote pilot, continuous monitoring of the command and control link, and a means for the remote pilot to terminate the flight that forces descent, prevents powered horizontal displacement and includes means to reduce the effect of the impact dynamics. A parachute is one way to meet that last point, not a requirement of the class. C5 is also excused from the Part 4 height-limiter point and from the Part 4 geo-awareness point. It can be obtained by upgrading a drone already certified C3 and adding the C5 kit supplied by the manufacturer or a third party in accordance with 2019/945.
The C6 is designed for the standard scenario STS-02, which covers BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations over sparsely populated areas with airspace observers posted on the ground. C6 must provide means to prevent the aircraft from breaching the horizontal and vertical limits of a programmable operational volume, which is a keep-in containment rather than a keep-out fence, plus a means to terminate the flight that is independent of that containment, a means to programme the trajectory, and a compliant direct Remote ID. Part 17 also caps the maximum ground speed in level flight at 50 m/s and, like C5, leaves geo-awareness optional.
For Specific operations falling outside STS-01 and STS-02, the drone need not be marked C5 or C6: it may be unclassified, but the operator must obtain an operational authorisation after a SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) analysis from its national authority.
2019/947 operating categories and product classes
Section titled “2019/947 operating categories and product classes”Regulation 2019/947 defines three operating categories, distinguished by the overall risk level and the authorisation procedure. The articulation with the product classes follows a scaling logic.
Open category
Section titled “Open category”The Open category groups together low-risk operations, without prior operational authorisation. It splits into three sub-categories: A1, A2, A3.
| Sub-category | Distances | Eligible classes | Without class |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1: closest to people | C0 may overfly uninvolved persons, never assemblies; a C1 pilot must reasonably expect that no uninvolved person is overflown | C0, C1 | privately built drones < 250 g and < 19 m/s, a permanent allowance under UAS.OPEN.020(5)(a); unclassified drones < 250 g placed on the market before 1 January 2024, under Article 20 |
| A2: close to people | minimum horizontal distance 30 m, 5 m in low-speed mode | C2 | not admissible |
| A3: far from people | minimum 150 m from a residential area | C2, C3, C4 | privately built drones < 25 kg |
All Open flights are VLOS, maximum altitude 120 m AGL, no overflight of assemblies. The pilot must hold a certificate of competency issued by the national authority (in France, online DGAC exam for A1/A3, in-person exam for A2).
Specific category
Section titled “Specific category”The Specific category covers medium-risk operations, subject to one of the following routes:
- Standard scenario (STS): declaration to the authority, with no case-by-case authorisation, using a C5 drone (STS-01) or C6 drone (STS-02) and respecting the conditions detailed in the Annex to Regulation 2019/947.
- LUC (light UAS operator certificate), approved under Article 5(4)(b) and Part C of the Annex: an organisational approval for an audited operator, whose privileges under UAS.LUC.060 let it authorise its own operations within the LUC scope. It is not a scenario. National standard scenarios were a separate device under Article 23(4), and declarations made against them ceased to be valid on 1 January 2026.
- Operational authorisation after a SORA analysis, the method published by JARUS and adopted by EASA, which assesses ground and air risk (GRC and ARC risk categories), determines the SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level) and imposes the corresponding operational or technical barriers (OSOs).
Certified category
Section titled “Certified category”The Certified category applies to high-risk operations equivalent to manned aviation: passenger transport, dangerous goods transport, BVLOS operations over large populated areas. Article 6 of Regulation 2019/947 requires the UAS to be certified, the UAS operator to be certified and, where applicable, the remote pilot to be licensed. It calls for certification of the operator, not for an AOC under Regulation (EU) No 965/2012. No C0 to C6 class is applicable in Certified: the product regime is that of EASA type certification, distinct from Regulation 2019/945.
Marking and documentation
Section titled “Marking and documentation”A drone in C0 to C6 carries two stacked markings.
CE marking
Section titled “CE marking”The CE marking attests to conformity with Regulation 2019/945, and where applicable with the crossing directives or regulations (toy 2009/48/EC for toy C0s, RED 2014/53/EU for radio links, RoHS 2011/65/EU for substances). It is affixed visibly on the drone, legible without disassembly. See CE marking.
Class identification label
Section titled “Class identification label”The class label is specific to 2019/945 and stacked on top of CE. It indicates visibly and indelibly the class (C0, C1, etc.) in a standardised graphical format (letter C followed by the digit, in a frame defined by the Annex). Only C5 can be reached by upgrading a C3: Part 16, point 8 of the Annex provides for a class C5 accessories kit and Part 17 has no equivalent for C6. The C5 label is carried by every accessory in the kit and is affixed by the kit manufacturer, who is the manufacturer of that kit within the meaning of the regulation; the operator that installs it is not.
Technical documentation
Section titled “Technical documentation”The manufacturer compiles a technical documentation in accordance with Article 17 of Regulation 2019/945, whose content list is Part 10 of the single Annex, and which includes:
- general description of the drone and its sub-systems,
- manufacturing drawings and diagrams,
- list of harmonised standards applied; under 2019/945 the only reference published in the OJEU so far is EN 4709-002 for direct remote identification, cited with a restriction by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2103, while EN 4709-001 confers no presumption of conformity until its reference is cited,
- test reports (radio, mechanical, thermal, acoustic),
- declaration of conformity of critical components (Remote ID, geo-awareness, parachute on C5),
- risk analysis.
This documentation is kept for ten years after the last unit is placed on the market. It is made available to the surveillance authority on motivated request. See EU Declaration of Conformity for the template format.
Conformity assessment modules
Section titled “Conformity assessment modules”It is article 13(2) of Regulation 2019/945, not the Annex, that designates the procedures available; the Annex only describes them, in Parts 7 to 9. There are three, and no more:
| Procedure | Where it is set out | Notified body |
|---|---|---|
| Internal production control, module A | Part 7 of the Annex | No |
| EU type-examination followed by conformity to type based on internal production control, modules B and C | Part 8 of the Annex | Yes, for the type-examination |
| Conformity based on full quality assurance, module H | Part 9 of the Annex | Yes |
Article 13(2)(a) makes module A available for the requirements of Parts 1, 5, 6, 16 and 17 of the Annex, provided the manufacturer has applied the relevant harmonised standards. Part 5 is class C0, Part 6 is class C4, Part 16 is class C5 and Part 17 is class C6. So four classes can be self-declared, not two:
| Class | Available procedures |
|---|---|
| C0 | Module A |
| C1 | B + C, or H |
| C2 | B + C, or H |
| C3 | B + C, or H |
| C4 | Module A |
| C5 | Module A, or B + C, or H |
| C6 | Module A, or B + C, or H |
Module B is EU type-examination: a notified body examines the design and issues an EU type-examination certificate, and module C is the production-phase conformity to type that follows it. Module H is full quality assurance, applicable when the manufacturer operates a quality system covering design and production. Regulation 2019/945 contains no module D, E or F: those exist in Decision 768/2008/EC, from which other product regulations draw, but this one does not use them.
The choice depends on volume, complexity and existing quality system. A high-volume manufacturer with broad ISO 9001 coverage typically chooses H. A small-volume or new manufacturer chooses B + C (random tests in production), with a lower initial audit burden.
See Self-declaration vs notified body for the broader rationale.
Which classes require Remote ID and geo-awareness?
Section titled “Which classes require Remote ID and geo-awareness?”Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 defines, in Article 3, two technical functions that structure all classes C1 to C3, C5 and C6.
Direct Remote ID
Section titled “Direct Remote ID”Direct Remote ID is a local, clear-text radio broadcast, without a server, of the following information:
- drone serial number or session identifier,
- operator registration number (issued by the national authority),
- timestamp,
- geographical position of the UAS (latitude, longitude, altitude),
- speed on horizontal axes,
- position of the remote pilot,
- emergency status if applicable.
The protocol used (for instance Bluetooth Long Range, Wi-Fi Beacon, or the ASTM F3411 protocols) is left to the manufacturer's choice as long as it is open and documented and the message can be received directly by existing mobile devices within the broadcasting range. The regulation states no numeric range, and Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2103 cited EN 4709-002:2023 with a restriction precisely because it does not adequately cover that reception requirement.
Geo-awareness
Section titled “Geo-awareness”Geo-awareness is the drone's ability to receive, store and interpret geographical zone data published by the authority. These zones, known as UAS Geographical Zones, define prohibited, restricted or conditionally authorised areas (airports, military zones, nature protection areas, etc.).
The drone alerts the pilot on approach or incursion. It does not necessarily refuse take-off or crossing (except for C6 where active geo-cage is required), but must provide clear information. Zone data update is performed by the operator via the manufacturer's software, which connects to national feeds.
Firmware conformity impact
Section titled “Firmware conformity impact”Any firmware modification affecting Remote ID (transmit frequency, content, protocol) or geo-awareness (zone data parser, alert behaviour) triggers a conformity reassessment. An update that simply adds new UAS zones without modifying the code does not have this effect. The boundary is documented in the risk analysis and the change management plan.
EU and United States comparison
Section titled “EU and United States comparison”The US framework is structured differently. It separates pilot rules (FAA Part 107 for commercial operations) and the Remote ID rule (14 CFR Part 89 for identifier broadcast), without defining product classes equivalent to C0-C6.
| Element | European Union | United States (FAA) |
|---|---|---|
| Product framework | (EU) 2019/945, classes C0-C6 + CE marking | No equivalent product framework; only the Remote ID rule 14 CFR Part 89 applies to the manufacturer |
| Operations framework | (EU) 2019/947: Open / Specific / Certified | 14 CFR Part 107: commercial sUAS operations, < 55 lb (25 kg) |
| Recreational drones | Open category with operator registration | TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), FAA registration required above 250 g |
| Remote ID | Annex to 2019/945, Part 2(12), Part 3(14), Part 4(9) (direct); definition at Article 3(31) | 14 CFR Part 89: Standard Remote ID or Broadcast Module |
| BVLOS operations | Specific category via STS-02 (C6) or SORA authorisation | Part 107.31 waiver, pending the general BVLOS rule |
| Equivalence | No drone MRA | No automatic reciprocal recognition |
The practical consequence: a drone certified C1 or C2 does not benefit from any automatic FAA validation. A manufacturer targeting both markets must run both paths in parallel, and where applicable handle the radio frequency under FCC Part 15 (for Wi-Fi, BLE, or sub-GHz command links) in addition to the European RED. The EU + US dual certification guide details the shareable tests and those that cannot be shared.
Common pitfalls
Section titled “Common pitfalls”Confusing product class and operating category
Section titled “Confusing product class and operating category”This is the most widespread mistake. A buyer asking for an Open A2 drone is not asking for a specific drone; they are asking for a drone capable of being operated in A2, typically a C2. Conversely, a manufacturer announcing a Specific drone has declared nothing tangible: it is the operation that is Specific, not the drone. The correct wording is C5 drone for STS-01, or non-classified drone for SORA operational authorisation.
Engaging the notified body too late
Section titled “Engaging the notified body too late”For classes C1 to C3, C5 and C6, Module B requires an EU type-examination prior to placing on the market. If the notified body is brought in after design finalisation, any non-conformity found requires hardware modifications, delays of several months and a rerun of test campaigns. Engagement should happen before the hardware freeze, ideally at Stage 2 of the design cycle, in order to align on acceptance criteria.
Overlooking the RED 2014/53/EU directive
Section titled “Overlooking the RED 2014/53/EU directive”The drone is also a radio equipment. The remote controller, the video link, the Remote ID, GNSS-based geo-awareness, are radio functions falling under the RED. Conformity with 2019/945 does not exempt from RED 3.1(a) health, 3.1(b) radio EMC, 3.2 spectrum. For C1 to C6 classes that are connectable, RED 3.3 cybersecurity also applies since 1 August 2025. See RED pillar and RED tests.
Underestimating firmware updates
Section titled “Underestimating firmware updates”Modern drones receive frequent updates. Any modification touching the declared characteristics (transmit power, Remote ID latency, geo-awareness behaviour, maximum speed, low-speed mode) triggers a revision of the technical documentation and, depending on the module, a new EU declaration of conformity or notified body oversight. A change management plan must be established from the outset.
Importing an unmarked drone
Section titled “Importing an unmarked drone”A drone purchased abroad without a C0 to C6 class identification label has no general route into the Open category any more. The Article 22 transitional period of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 closed on 31 December 2023, and Article 20 covers only unclassified units placed on the market before 1 January 2024, which may still be flown in A1 below 250 g or in A3 below 25 kg. Anything placed on the market after that date, and not privately built, has to go to the Specific category under an operational authorisation after a SORA analysis. Importers are legally responsible under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance. Customs can hold the product.
Confusing C4 with an unclassified drone
Section titled “Confusing C4 with an unclassified drone”C4 is a full class of Regulation 2019/945, with its own technical documentation and CE marking. It is not a rule-free drone: it is a drone that cannot carry advanced automation. An amateur drone without a C4 label but below 25 kg is not a C4; it is an unclassified drone. If it was privately built it can still fly in A3 under UAS.OPEN.040(4)(a); if it was bought and placed on the market before 1 January 2024 it can fly in A3 under Article 20 of Regulation 2019/947; otherwise it goes to the Specific category under authorisation, since the Article 22 transitional period closed on 31 December 2023.
C5 by kit, watch the responsibility transfer
Section titled “C5 by kit, watch the responsibility transfer”A C5 accessories kit is a product in its own right. Article 2(1)(b) of Regulation 2019/945 puts it in scope, and its own manufacturer runs the conformity assessment, affixes the C5 label on every accessory and issues the EU declaration of conformity. Part 16, point 8 then requires the kit to be designed for complete and correct installation by a UAS operator on a class C3 UAS named in the kit manufacturer's list, without altering the compliance of that UAS with Part 4 and without changing its software. The operator that fits the kit is therefore not the manufacturer and issues no new declaration; what it must do is check that its C3 model is on the kit manufacturer's list and follow the installation instructions exactly.
See also
Section titled “See also”- ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066: robotics and cobot safety
- Solar PV modules: IEC 61730 safety and IEC 61215 performance
- CPR (305/2011) and EN 50575 cable reaction-to-fire
- HAC: Hearing Aid Compatibility (FCC 20.19, C63.19)
Practical examples per class
Section titled “Practical examples per class”C0: consumer nano-drones
Section titled “C0: consumer nano-drones”- DJI Mini 2 SE (245 g), DJI Mini 3 (249 g), DJI Mini 4 Pro (< 249 g).
- Toy drones for children: cross conformity with 2019/945 + Directive 2009/48/EC.
Conformity: Module A self-declaration. Technical documentation kept by the manufacturer, EU declaration of conformity attached to the product.
C1: intermediate urban drones
Section titled “C1: intermediate urban drones”- DJI Air 3 (720 g), Autel EVO Lite (835 g).
- Often positioned as the first professional drone.
Conformity: Module B (EU type-examination by a notified body) followed by Module C, D, E, F or via H. Direct Remote ID and geo-awareness required.
C2: versatile professional drones
Section titled “C2: versatile professional drones”- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (< 4 kg with accessories), Parrot Anafi Ai (898 g, but C2 marking targeted depending on configuration), Skydio X10.
- Target use: inspection, mapping, search and rescue.
Low-speed mode 3 m/s, physical identifier affixed, integrated light signal.
C3: heavy Open A3 drones
Section titled “C3: heavy Open A3 drones”- DJI Matrice 350 RTK (< 25 kg), Yuneec H850 RTK.
- Target use: agriculture, light transport, heavy inspection.
Operations exclusively in areas far from dwellings.
C4: model aircraft and amateur builds
Section titled “C4: model aircraft and amateur builds”- Traditional radio-controlled models integrating the 2019/945 conformity via membership of a model aviation federation.
No Remote ID, no geo-awareness, no automation beyond basic stabilisation.
C5: STS-01 drones
Section titled “C5: STS-01 drones”- DJI Matrice 30 with approved C5 kit, Parrot Anafi USA with STS-01 kit.
- Target use: inspection in controlled peri-urban environments, event surveillance.
Integrated parachute, flight termination available. VLOS operations over ground-controlled areas.
C6: STS-02 drones
Section titled “C6: STS-02 drones”- Heavy drones with active programmable geo-cage and redundant flight termination.
- Target use: linear network surveillance (pipelines, power lines), BVLOS missions over sparsely populated areas with observers.
BVLOS operations under STS-02 declaration, airspace observers positioned on the ground per the scenario.
Cross-links
Section titled “Cross-links”- CE marking for the applicable general requirements.
- RED directive for radio links, remote control, radio Remote ID, GNSS.
- Self-declaration vs notified body for the module choice.
- EU Declaration of Conformity for the template format applicable to drones.
- EU + US dual certification for products targeting both markets.
- Glossary for definitions of SORA, OSO, GRC, ARC, SAIL, STS, BVLOS, VLOS.
Sources & references
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/945/oj
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/947/oj
- EASA Civil Drones (UAS) domain portal , EASA www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones
- EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS (Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and 2019/945) , EASA www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-unmanned-aircraft-systems
- JARUS SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) v2.5 , JARUS jarus-rpas.org/publications/
- Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/48/oj
Frequently asked questions
- What is a UAS class identification label C0 to C6?
- It is the class label defined by Regulation (EU) 2019/945 that the manufacturer affixes to the UAS on top of the CE marking. It indicates conformity with a defined set of technical requirements (mass, impact energy, speed, Remote ID, geo-awareness) and conditions the operating rules permitted under Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
- What is the difference between the product class (2019/945) and the operating category (2019/947)?
- The class (C0 to C6) is an intrinsic product property, chosen by the manufacturer and verified at conformity assessment. The operating category (Open A1/A2/A3, Specific, Certified) is selected by the operator for each flight based on risk. A C2 drone may fly in Open A2 or in Specific depending on the mission, but it never becomes a C3 or a C5.
- Does the C0 class require a notified body?
- No. Article 13(2)(a) of Regulation 2019/945 opens Module A, internal production control set out in Part 7 of the Annex, to the classes described in Parts 1, 5, 6, 16 and 17, so a C0 can be self-declared provided the manufacturer has applied the harmonised standards published in the OJEU for every requirement for which such a standard exists. When a C0 is also a toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC, toy conformity is added but also remains self-declared.
- Is Remote ID mandatory for every class?
- No. Direct Remote ID and geo-awareness are required together only for C1, C2 and C3, in Parts 2, 3 and 4 of the Annex to Regulation 2019/945. Classes C5 and C6 must carry direct Remote ID, but Parts 16 and 17 except them from the geo-awareness point of Part 4, which applies to them only if they are in fact fitted with such a function. Class C0 and class C4 are subject to neither requirement in the product regulation.
- What exactly do C5 and C6 cover?
- C5 and C6 are the identification classes added for the Specific category. A C5 is designed for standard scenario STS-01 (VLOS operations over ground-controlled areas). A C6 targets STS-02 (BVLOS over sparsely populated areas with airspace observers). The corresponding requirements appear in Parts 16 and 17 of the Annex to Regulation 2019/945.
- Is EASA certification enough to fly the drone in the United States?
- No. The United States applies its own framework: FAA Part 107 for commercial operations and Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89) for remote identification. No MRA automatically recognises a C0-C6 class on the FAA side. See the EU + US dual certification guide.
- Does a Remote ID firmware update trigger a new marking?
- If the update changes a characteristic declared in the technical documentation (transmit power, Remote ID latency, geo-awareness behaviour, maximum speed), yes: conformity must be reassessed under the procedure chosen from Article 13(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/945, namely Module A in Part 7, Modules B and C in Part 8, or Module H in Part 9; that regulation has no Module D, E or F. A pure bug fix that preserves the declaration does not invalidate the conformity.