EASA C0 to C6: UAS drone classes and ID labelling

Author Hugues Orgitello Last updated 27 May 2026 ~11 min read

Guide · Unmanned aircraft

The European drone framework rests on two regulations that are inseparable and routinely confused: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, which governs the product and imposes the C0 to C6 class identification label, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which governs operations by distinguishing the Open, Specific and Certified categories. The manufacturer is responsible for the former; the operator for the latter. This page documents the seven product classes, the technical requirements attached to each, the articulation with the operating categories, and the conformity assessment route. It also addresses the comparison with the FAA framework and the common pitfalls at the moment of placing on the market.

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, a non-classified drone cannot be operated in Open outside the transitional regime. 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.

The seven product 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

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)	additional STS-01 requirements	Yes	Specific, STS-01
C6	< 25 kg	additional STS-02 requirements, active geo-cage	Yes	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

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

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).

Remote ID is defined in Article 6 of the regulation and in Part 6 of the Annex. 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. It must follow either Module B (EU type-examination by a notified body) followed by Module C, D, E or F, or Module H (full quality assurance) if its quality system is assessed.

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

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

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

C5 and C6 were added by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1058 and then 2022/425, 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 specific kit (integrated emergency parachute, flight termination device). 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 integrates an active programmable geo-cage (the drone refuses to enter an excluded zone), a flight termination device and a compliant Remote ID. Target speed and altitude are controlled by mission configuration.

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

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

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: overflight of people allowed	overflight of third parties possible (except assemblies)	C0, C1	privately built drones < 250 g (transitional regime)
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

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.
• Published national scenario (LUC, light UAS operator certificate): general authorisation for an audited operator, allowing self-authorisation of operations within the LUC scope.
• 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

The Certified category applies to high-risk operations equivalent to manned aviation: passenger transport, dangerous goods transport, BVLOS operations over large populated areas. The drone must be type-certified like a manned aircraft, the pilot licensed, and the operator must hold an AOC (Air Operator Certificate). 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

A drone in C0 to C6 carries two stacked markings.

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

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). For classes C5 and C6 obtained by upgrade from a C3 (C5 kit case), the C5 label is added by the kit integrator, who then becomes responsible for the overall conformity as a manufacturer within the meaning of the regulation.

Technical documentation

The manufacturer compiles a technical documentation in accordance with Annex IV of Regulation 2019/945, which includes:

• general description of the drone and its sub-systems,
• manufacturing drawings and diagrams,
• list of harmonised standards applied (published in the OJEU), notably EN 4709-001 for the essential requirements,
• 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

The Annex to Regulation 2019/945 designates the applicable modules per class. Classes C1 to C6 cannot be self-declared: notified body intervention is required.

Class	Authorised modules
C0	A (internal production control)
C1	B + C, B + D, B + E, B + F, or H
C2	B + C, B + D, B + E, B + F, or H
C3	B + C, B + D, B + E, B + F, or H
C4	A
C5	B + C, B + D, B + E, B + F, or H
C6	B + C, B + D, B + E, B + F, or H

Module B is EU type-examination: a notified body examines the design and issues an EU type-examination certificate. Modules C, D, E, F cover the production phase (internal control with random tests, production quality assurance, product quality assurance, unit verification). Module H is full quality assurance, applicable when the manufacturer operates a quality system covering design and production.

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.

§ § §

Remote ID and geo-awareness, the two cross-cutting requirements

Article 6 of Regulation 2019/945 introduces two technical functions that structure all classes C1 to C3, C5 and C6.

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 the content and minimum range are respected. The expected typical range is at least 100 m in a typical urban environment.

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

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

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	Article 6 of 2019/945 (direct)	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

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

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

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

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

A drone purchased abroad without a C0 to C6 class identification label can only be operated in Open under the transitional regime (limited, country-dependent), or in Specific under 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

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, operable only under the transitional regime or in Specific with authorisation.

C5 by kit, watch the responsibility transfer

When a C3 drone is upgraded to C5 by adding a kit (parachute, termination device), the kit integrator becomes the manufacturer within the meaning of Regulation 2019/945 and assumes overall responsibility for the modified product. This entails a new EU declaration of conformity, new technical documentation, and possibly a new EU type-examination. Purchasing a C5 kit from a third party is not a simple mechanical add-on.

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)

Working on the CE marking of a C0 to C6 drone and the product / operations articulation for a real product? AESTECHNO can audit your design and certification plan. Get in touch →

Practical examples per class

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

1. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/945/oj
2. 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
3. EASA Civil Drones (UAS) domain portal , EASA www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones
4. 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-regulation-eu
5. JARUS SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) v2.5 , JARUS jarus-rpas.org/publications/
6. Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys , EUR-Lex eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/48/oj