Draft law regulating use, trade of drones approved

CAIRO – 18 December 2017: The Egyptian House of Representatives approved a draft law on Monday regulating the use and trade of drones, one of the most important laws drafted in the fight against terrorism.

The approval was previously postponed due to the lack of a two-thirds majority in the House.

The draft law clarified the gravity of drones, as some terrorist elements use them to spot armed forces and police positions in order to target them remotely.

Drones are defined in the law as an unpiloted aircraft or spacecraft, whatever shape or size it might be, carrying additional loads, whether equipment, armament, ammunition or explosives, and operated and controlled remotely.

The draft law states that in order for ministries, local administrations, public bodies, private and local companies and persons to be allowed to use, trade or import such drones, they must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defense.

The permit will be granted in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by the executive regulations of the law, subject to the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law promulgated by Law No. 28 of 1981.

Violating this regulation would entail a period of imprisonment of no less than one year and no more than seven years, and/or a fine of no less than LE 5,000 ($283.54) and no more than LE 50,000.