Review on Current State of Agricultural UAS Regulations and Standards

Abstract

In recent years, industry and application of agricultural unmanned aerial system (UAS) have been expanding rapidly and greatly. However, supporting regulations and standards on agricultural UAS are relatively lagging behind. The crucial standards formulating and implementing organizations and institutions in a global view, along with standards setting goals and basis were systematically reviewed. Agricultural UAS management organization, regulations and standards application in Japan were studied in detail. Current policies and regulations of industrial and agricultural UAS in China were also introduced, along with industry development and local standards. To lead the healthy development of UAS industry in China, regulation and standardization organizations at all levels keeping on UAS standardization work were concentrated on three aspects, including product (quality) standards, technical standards such as sub components and performance tests, operation specifications and personnel training management standards. All agricultural UAS standard construction works were led by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, under the framework of Guidelines for Standardization Construction of Unmanned Aerial System. Proposed standards were not confined to plant protection merely, which also included UAS application standards for fertilization, remote sensing, and auxiliary pollination and so on. Standards covering processes of production, circulation, application, training, registration and certification, should be established to support UAS management. Through scientific formulation and implementation of UAS standards, it would surely further regulate the industry development and drive independent innovation. Competitiveness of the agricultural UAS industry in the domestic and foreign markets would be enhanced.

Keywords: agricultural unmanned aerial system (UAS), plant protection UAS, standards, regulations