C Labels are Coming to the UK? Why should you care?
What are C0, C1 and C2 Labels?
Whether or not you follow the world of UK drone regulations, many DJI drone owners will have noticed a small ‘label’ on their drone giving it a C rating, or class marking as it is officially known. This class marking was something many people were excited about, as it would open up drone rules to allow us to use heavier drones in all sorts of areas where we cannot right now.
This system classifies drones into five categories: C0, C1, C2, C3, and C4. Each category has specific requirements and restrictions for flying in the open category, commonly used for recreational and commercial drone operations.
| C Label | Max Take Off Mass | Subcategory |
| C0 | <250g | A1 - Fly over people |
| C1 | <900g | |
| C2 | <4kg | A2 - Fly close to people |
| C3 | <4kg | A3 - Fly far away from people |
| C4 |
DJI Drones With Class Identification Labels
Presented below are DJI drones with the Class Identification Label and their corresponding labels.
| C Label | Drone Model |
| C0 |
DJI Mini 2 SE |
| C1 |
DJI Mavic 3 Classic |
| C2 |
DJI Mavic 3 Pro DJI Mavic 3E EU, DJI Mavic 3T EU DJI Mavic 3M EU DJI Matrice M30 EU DJI Matrice M30T EU |
| C3 | DJI Inspire 3 DJI Matrice 350 RTK |
UK Adoption of C Labels
For all sorts of reasons, the UK decided not to roll out class markings. So this means UK drone users became the jealous neighbour, watching EU users get the most out of drones like the C1 rated DJI Air 3S. Well, it looks like things are about to change in the UK from the start of 2026. A recent listing from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and priority instructions from the UK government tell us that C labels will be permitted for use in the UK. But what does it mean?
As you might be aware, the airspace recreational users fly their drones in the UK is called the ‘open category’. This is then split down into three subcategories - A1 (fly over people) A2 (fly close to people) and A3 (fly far from people). Flying a sub 250g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro gives you amazing freedoms to even fly over people who are not crowded together.
However, at the moment any drone user flying a drone over 250g requires special certification to access congested areas like towns and cities (A1). Even with this certification, it still means you have to stay 50 metres from uninvolved public, and that’s horizontal separation, no overflight of people.
Should the class marking system be confirmed for 2026, someone with a DJI Air 3S which is rated C1, will be able to fly in the A1 airspace with zero separation of uninvolved people. All this without any further certification. Those needing that incredible sensor within the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can then get within 5 metres, with low speed mode engaged, etc. This is of course so much better than the current 50 metres horizontal separation for drones over 250g In congested areas.
Moving into 2026, it will make a combo of the DJI Air 3S for those cinematic shots or technical footage along with a DJI Mini 4 Pro for the shots around busier areas, the perfect UK drone combination, in my opinion.
If the new system is confirmed to work in the same way the CAA intended it to originally happen, it will mean the UK drone rules will become a lot more simple and easy to understand for every level of user. Overall, drone use in the UK is safe and this kind of move confirms that.
Confused about UK drone rules and want to ensure your drone flights are legal? Keep an eye out for some in-house training sessions happening at DJI Hasselblad Birmingham, very soon!
PLEASE NOTE: This post is intended to give the highlights of what is to come for UK drone rules. It is not exhaustive guidance of the rules you need to follow when flying your drone. This includes essential airspace clearance rules that ignoring can result in serious prosecution.
Please check out my YouTube channel, Geeksvana for more information and full videos on UK drone rules.
