TÜV Rheinland Backs Taiwan UAVs Entry into European Market through Four-Party MOU at Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition

At the 2025 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) on September 19th at Nangang Exhibition Center, the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center (AUIA Center), the Taiwan National Drone Industry Association (TNDIA), TÜV Rheinland, and STMicroelectronics signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The ceremony was witnessed by Chiayi County Magistrate Chang-Liang Weng, Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chih-wei Ho, Christoph Saurenbach, Head of Trade Section of the European Economic and Trade Office, Eva Langerbeck, Director of the German Trade Office Taipei, and Cyril Dupont, Strategic Affairs Advisor at the French Office in Taipei.

Distinguished guests also included Legislator Kuan-Ting Chen, President Chang Hsin-Liang of National Formosa University, representatives from the Aerospace Industry Development Promotion Group under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Aeronautical Systems Research Division of NCSIST, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of NGO International Affairs, as well as members of the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance, the UAS-Taiwan, and partner companies of the AUIA Center. The event underscored strong domestic and international attention, symbolizing Taiwan's UAV industry's ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration and expand its global market presence.

The quadripartite collaboration will focus on establishing a UAV product verification and quality assurance platform, leveraging testing and certification expertise alongside semiconductor technology advantages. The initiative aims to help Taiwanese manufacturers ensure their products meet international standards while building a globally trusted industry ecosystem. As a leading global testing and certification organization, TÜV Rheinland will play a central role in this partnership, utilizing its Notified Body UAS qualifications under the European Union and comprehensive testing capabilities to support the seamless entry of Taiwanese UAV products into the European market.

Magistrate Weng noted that since its establishment, the AUIA Center has brought together nearly 50 government, industry, and academic units. Moving forward, the Center plans to integrate the Minsyong Aerospace Park's UAV manufacturing base with mid- to large-scale remote-controlled UAV test airspace, effectively creating a comprehensive UAV industry ecosystem covering R&D, manufacturing, and testing. This MOU not only symbolizes deep collaboration between Taiwan and leading international testing and semiconductor companies but also strengthens Taiwanese manufacturers' credibility and competitiveness in the European market through global connectivity.

According to customs statistics, Taiwan's UAV exports reached USD 11.89 million (approximately NTD 350 million) in the first half of this year, representing a 7.49-fold increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, exports to Poland accounted for 54% of the total, making Europe the largest export market for Taiwanese UAVs. Under EU regulations (EU) 2019/945 and (EU) 2020/1058, UAV products weighing less than 25 kilograms and sold in the European market are required to carry the CE marking and a Class Identification Label (CIL).

In 2021, TÜV Rheinland was designated as a Notified Body by the European Commission and the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA). By early 2022, it became the first organization worldwide to issue a type examination certificate for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the "Open Category." In Taiwan, TÜV Rheinland is accredited by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and is in the process of securing recognition as a Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) laboratory.

This enables TÜV Rheinland not only to review manufacturers' product safety documentation and declarations of conformity, but also to conduct comprehensive testing at its dedicated UAV test site and laboratories in Germany. The testing scope covers electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio performance, hazardous substances, cybersecurity, and flight safety performance. Upon completion of testing and documentation review, TÜV Rheinland, in its capacity as a Notified Body, will issue the EU Type Examination Certificate, ensuring that UAV products meet regulatory requirements for market entry and operation, while helping manufacturers shorten their time-to-market.

TÜV Rheinland operates two dedicated UAV test airfields in Germany, specifically designed for flight safety testing of UAS. Its indoor laboratories are equipped with a ten-meter anechoic chamber and multiple internationally calibrated measurement systems to support comprehensive safety assessments for UAV products. The testing team consists of fifteen EMC and radio-frequency experts, working alongside five certified UAS flight professionals, ensuring precision and reliability throughout the evaluation process. With these advanced resources, Taiwanese manufacturers are better positioned to overcome regulatory barriers and strengthen their competitiveness within the global supply chain.

As the Chiayi County Government actively promotes the establishment of a national UAV team and a fully integrated ecosystem spanning R&D, manufacturing, and certification, TÜV Rheinland will continue to collaborate with industrial, governmental, and academic partners. Together, they aim to secure Taiwan's UAV industry a strong market position defined by high quality, regulatory compliance, and global trust.

About TÜV Rheinland Greater China

TÜV Rheinland is a globally renowned independent testing, inspection, and certification organization headquartered in Cologne, Germany, with more than 150 years of expertise. In Greater China, TÜV Rheinland employs over 5,600 professionals across four major business streams: Industrial Services & Cybersecurity, Mobility, Products, and Training & Consulting. Its services cover key areas of commerce and everyday life, including the energy and consumer goods industries, automotive, basic materials, environmental technologies, rail transportation, information security, education, and healthcare. TÜV Rheinland is widely recognized for its rigorous and high-quality testing and certification services. With an impartial and independent approach, the organization provides professional assessments and delivers one-stop solutions that ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance for enterprises across the region.