In the last few months, several manufacturers have started the distribution of drones with class identification labels, the so-called C-class drones. Labels can be C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, or C5 and C6, which can be used in the case of standard scenarios. The number after letter C (officially called the UA class) indicates that the product satisfies functional requirements connected to the given class (maximum take-off weight, maximal horizontal speed, availability of low-speed mode, etc.).

Class identification labels have significant importance in the case of 'open' category operations because they unambiguously define the subcategory of the operations. Thus, the domains of the missions are also definable and can be easily categorised. There are C5 and C6 class identification labels based on the technical requirements of C3. However, they have significance only in the case of the standard scenarios (C5 drone can be used in the case of STS-01 missions and C6 in the case of STS-02 missions). Thus, there are differences.

Class identification labels can be placed on the drone by the manufacturer or the distributor only after a notified body (conformity assessment organisation) assesses the drone and in some cases the manufacturer processes. In the case of C0, C4, C5 and C6, the manufacturer could get the opportunity to do the assessment, but generally, an external entity (accredited and declared to the European Commission) does this process.

 If the product complies with the standards, the notified body entitles the manufacturer or the distributor to place the appropriate C-class on the drone.

The EU keeps a record of the notified bodies. These records are available through this website after the domain is selected. Notified bodies get authorisation for the assessment of selected C-classes. Records show this information too. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/single-market-compliance-space/#/notified-bodies/notified-body-list?filter=legislationId:159261,notificationStatusId:1

It is essential that before the purchase of drones with class identification labels, the buyer should get information about the assessment process and about the organisation that made the assessment. The assessor company, the so-called notification body, must be listed in the previously mentioned database and have the proper authorisation for assessing the placed class identification label. Not all notified bodies can assess all class identification labels. 

Information about the notified body can be found in the drone's user manual, and it can be compared with the database provided by the EU. If the notified body, which is indicated in the manual, is not listed in the database, the buyer should be very careful, and further research should be done before the purchase, or the opinion of the authority can also be asked. Precaution is necessary because purchasing an inappropriate drone may cause significant financial loss.

In the last few years, it was a practice that Chinese equipment were labelled with the so-called China Export logo, expresses images of the European CE mark that should be placed on all electronic products put in place in the EU. Differences could only be identified by practised practitioners, so consumers were (and sometimes now are also) misled.

An easily explainable information leaflet for the buyers should always be attached to a drone with a class identification label that presents the general usage limitations of the given drone. These leaflets can be downloaded from the website of EASA: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/drones-information-notices

Be careful and get as much information as you can before purchasing a drone. Be aware because content on professional forums may also mislead you if they are not up-to-date. 

EASA has already published a continuously updated document that lists the class-identified drones. https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/civil-drones-rpas/open-category-civil-drones

Have a safe flying!