Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has been approved as the first organization outside the United States to certify drones under Green UAS standards [1, 2].
This designation allows Taiwan to act as a critical gateway for drone manufacturers seeking to enter the U.S. market. By providing local certification, ITRI reduces the hurdles for Taiwanese companies to prove their hardware meets strict U.S. security and compliance requirements.
The Green UAS program establishes standards for drone security and data privacy. ITRI's new role as a certification body means it can now evaluate whether unmanned aircraft systems meet these specific benchmarks [1, 2]. This process ensures that the drones do not possess security vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive data.
The move is designed to help local drone manufacturers expand their international reach. By aligning local production with U.S. standards, Taiwan aims to strengthen its position within a secure global drone supply chain [1, 2]. This strategy focuses on creating an alternative to supply chains that may be viewed as high-risk by Western governments.
ITRI will provide the technical evaluations necessary for manufacturers to achieve the Green UAS seal. This certification is often a prerequisite for companies wishing to sell their technology to U.S. government agencies or security-conscious private enterprises [1, 2].
The initiative marks a significant shift in the oversight of drone compliance, moving it beyond U.S. borders for the first time. It positions Taiwan as a trusted partner in the development of aerospace technology and secure communications [1, 2].
“ITRI has been approved as the first organization outside the United States to certify drones under Green UAS standards.”
This development signals a strategic effort to diversify the drone supply chain away from dominant Chinese manufacturers. By establishing a trusted certification hub in Taiwan, the U.S. and Taiwan are creating a standardized pathway for 'clean' drone technology to enter the Western market, prioritizing cybersecurity and data sovereignty over lower costs.
