Barbados Enacts Yearlong Prohibition on UAV Imports

The government of Barbados, which is an independent Caribbean nation within the British Commonwealth, has announced a yearlong prohibition on the importation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Effective April 1, the 12-month ban would allow authorities to complete a legal framework to govern the use of the technology, as well as determine how many UAVs are in operation in the country, according to a release from the government.

The release cites a spokesperson from the customs and excise department who said an increase in the number of recreational/commercial has led to concerns for safety, security and privacy, despite the potential benefits of the technology.