• The DJI Mavic 3 drone has become the first DJI drone to receive a European “C1” drone certificate.
• C1 certificates are part of new European Drone Laws that begin in December 2020.
• Other DJI drones may also soon get CE Class marks.

The DJI Mavic 3 just got a big certificate that will make it easier to fly the drone in the EU, and it’s likely that other DJI drones will do the same.

The DJI Mavic 3 received the first EU C1 certificate, which owners can obtain through a firmware upgrade later this year. This is great news for the drone’s owners and a milestone for all DJI drones.

CE Class certificates are part of new European Drone Laws that begin in December 2020, allowing drones with the new labels (C0-C4, depending on the drone) to fly more freely.

Unfortunately, these regulations weren’t set in 2022, leaving most drones in limbo until today.

Mavic 3 owners will benefit from a “C1” certificate. After the update, you’ll be able to fly the drone in the new “A1 Open Category,” which means you can fly over people (though not “assemblies of people,” like sports teams).

You won’t need the expensive A2 remote pilot certificate, only a basic theoretical pass.

After December 31, 2023, the advantages over a similar drone without CE Class marking become apparent. After that date, upgraded Mavic 3 drones will still be able to fly in the A1 Open Category.

The second option would have meant you could only fly in places with no people and 150 metres from buildings.

This new C1-compliant firmware will modify the Mavic 3, which DJI says can’t be reversed every time it’s flown in the EEA (EEA).

DJI’s “application process” for the new C1 class label, which will be available “starting Q4 2022,” is voluntary.

When recording from more than 50m away, ActiveTrack stops following the subject right away, and the drone’s LEDs turn on or off depending on the environment.

The Mavic 3 has a noise reduction level of 83db and blinking LEDs on its front arms when powered on.

The bigger question is if DJI’s other drones, such the Air 2S, Mavic Air 2, and FPV, will get CE Class marks. DJI couldn’t confirm.

DJI will work with notified bodies to achieve other drone certifications over the next year in addition to the C1 certification for the Mavic 3 series.

While that’s noncommittal, there are strong grounds to expect all current DJI drones will finally obtain CE Class markings.