China has adopted a revised Civil Aviation Law to update regulations for its fast-evolving aviation industry, reports China Daily.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved the law to take effect on July 1 and is the country's primary statute governing civil aviation activities.

The revised law contains 16 chapters and 262 articles. Lawmakers said the update aligns rules with industry changes, new technologies and emerging business models, while supporting aviation manufacturing, air transport services and the low-altitude economy.

A key feature is tighter oversight of civil drones. Entities involved in design, production, import, maintenance and operation must obtain airworthiness certification unless exempted. Manufacturers must assign unique identification codes to each aircraft to improve traceability.

The law also strengthens safety rules, banning lasers that could interfere with airport navigation systems and prohibiting activities that disrupt the electromagnetic environment around airports. Airlines and airport operators may take measures if safety support capacity is insufficient.

Provisions on legal liability and enforcement have been updated. Officials said the revision reflects China's efforts to modernise aviation regulation as demand grows and new technologies reshape the sector.