Current Status of Drone Delivery in the Asia-Pacific Region: Policy Comparisons Across China, Japan, and 2 Other Countries

Current Status of Drone Delivery in the Asia-Pacific Region: Policy Comparisons Across China, Japan, and 2 Other Countries

Introduction: The Rise of Drone Delivery in Asia-Pacific

By 2025, the Asia-Pacific region has become the fastest-growing market for drone delivery globally, with an estimated market size exceeding $12 billion. Through distinct policy approaches, China, Japan, Australia, and Singapore have each developed unique drone logistics systems. From Shenzhen’s “low-altitude economy pilot zones” to Tokyo’s ultra-fast sushi deliveries, drones are reshaping last-mile logistics across the region.

This article provides a comparative analysis of these four countries’ regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and commercial applications, revealing how policy shapes drone logistics development and offering insights for businesses and investors.

I. Overview of Drone Delivery Policies in Four Countries

Note: BVLOS = Beyond Visual Line of Sight. Data as of August 2025.

II. Country-Specific Analysis

1. China – Leading the Low-Altitude Economy

• Policy Breakthroughs:
  • Implementation of the Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management (2024)
  • “Urban Drone Highways” pilot zones in Shenzhen/Chengdu allow free flight below 300m
• Commercial Applications:
  • SF Express seafood deliveries in Greater Bay Area: 8,000 daily flights, reducing delivery time from 6 hours to 45 minutes
  • JD.com’s “Camel” heavy-lift drone: 50kg payload, serving remote mountainous regions

2. Japan – Precision Delivery Benchmark

• Special Licensing System:
  • Tokyo’s 23 wards designated as “Drone Delivery Special Zones,” exempt from certain flight restrictions
  • Additional Fresh Air Transport License required for sushi ingredient deliveries
• Technological Innovations:
  • ANA’s vibration-proof temperature-controlled pods maintain ±0.5℃ stability for tuna transport

3. Australia – Sparse Population Solutions

• Regulatory Features:
  • First country to integrate real-time drone-civil aviation radar data sharing
  • Mining area heavy transport exempt from some safety requirements (e.g., redundant power)
• Case Study:
  • Wing’s 15-minute convenience store deliveries in Canberra increased repeat purchases by 35%

4. Singapore – Smart City Management

• Air Traffic Innovations:
  • World’s first drone traffic light system, coordinating 500+ flights/hour
  • Mandatory connection to Skyway central control platform
• Cross-Border Pilot:
  • Medicine deliveries to Johor Bahru (Malaysia) with blockchain customs clearance

III. Key Technical Standard Differences

1. Collision Avoidance Requirements

2. Data Security Regulations

• China: Flight data must be stored on domestic servers
• Japan: Prohibits high-resolution imaging of residential areas (Privacy Protection Act Article 38)
• Singapore: Requires encrypted transmission of flight path data

3. Extreme Environment Adaptation

• China’s Pearl River Delta: Typhoon-resistant (≥12级 wind)
• Australia’s Outback: Dust-proof cooling (50℃ operation)

IV. Commercialization Challenges

1. Per-Delivery Cost (USD)

2. Public Acceptance

• Success Stories:
  • Japan’s “silent propellers” reduce noise to 45dB (refrigerator level)
  • Shenzhen community outreach achieved 85% acceptance
• Failures:
  • Sydney’s 23% failure rate due to seagull attacks

V. Three-Year Policy Trends

1. China: Plans to open province-wide low-altitude airspace by 2026, raising payload limit to 100kg
2. Japan: Testing AI air traffic control for 2027 Osaka Expo
3. Australia: Expanding “drone+solar charging” green logistics network
4. Singapore: Piloting passenger drone cross-border commutes

Conclusion: Strategic Recommendations

Data shows: Asia-Pacific companies aligning with policies achieve 28% lower logistics costs and 50% faster delivery times.