Brazil ANAC Drone Regulations 2026: Flying Drones in Brazil

Brazil ANAC Drone Regulations 2026: Flying Drones in Brazil

Brazil has one of the most active drone markets in Latin America, driven by agriculture, inspection, and public safety applications. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) jointly regulate drone operations through a complementary framework. This guide covers the key rules for recreational and commercial operators.

The Three-Agency Framework

Brazil's drone regulation involves three agencies:

• ANAC — sets airworthiness and operator requirements
• DECEA — manages airspace and authorization requests
• ANATEL — regulates radiofrequency use (remote control frequencies)

RPA Classification by Weight

ANAC classifies drones (called RPA — Remotely Piloted Aircraft) into three classes:

• Class 1: Above 150kg MTOW — full airworthiness certification required
• Class 2: 25kg to 150kg — simplified airworthiness certificate required
• Class 3: Under 25kg — registration via SISANT required (for drones above 250g)

Most consumer and commercial drones (DJI, Autel) fall into Class 3.

SISANT Registration

Drones weighing more than 250g must be registered in the SISANT system (Sistema de Aeronaves Não Tripuladas) before flight. Registration is free and done online at the SISANT portal. The registration number must be displayed on the drone.

Foreign visitors must also register their drones in SISANT before flying in Brazil.

Operational Rules for Class 3

• Maximum altitude: 120m AGL in most areas
• Always within visual line of sight
• Never fly over people or crowds without authorization
• Never fly within 5km of aerodromes without DECEA authorization
• No night flight without authorization
• Minimum pilot age: 18 years for commercial operations

DECEA Airspace Authorization

For operations near airports, in controlled airspace, or for beyond visual line of sight operations, pilots must request authorization through the DECEA AIS Web portal. Processing times vary — routine authorizations typically take several business days.

Commercial Operations

Commercial drone operations in Brazil require the operator to register as an RPAS operator with ANAC and demonstrate compliance with the applicable operating requirements. Individual remote pilots must hold an ANAC remote pilot certificate for commercial operations above certain risk thresholds.

Agricultural Drone Operations

Brazil is one of the world's largest markets for agricultural drones (spray drones for crop protection). Agricultural RPA operations are regulated by ANAC in coordination with MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) and require specific operator certification for pesticide application. The agricultural drone sector is one of the fastest-growing drone markets in the world, with Brazil leading Latin America in deployment scale.

For market data on Brazil's agricultural drone sector, Drone Industry Insights tracks Latin American drone market developments.

Penalties

ANAC can issue fines up to BRL 50,000 for violations of drone regulations. DECEA can restrict or terminate operations for airspace violations.

For current regulations, see the ANAC drones page and the SISANT registration portal.

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