[NL] Delivering with drones: the future for e-commerce?

Imagine this: you are sitting at home on the sofa, watching your favourite series, and suddenly you hear a peculiar buzzing. No, it’s not a mosquito trying to ruin your evening, but a drone coming to deliver your order. On the technological front, we are already there, but what about regulations, for instance? Dive with us into the most frequently asked questions around drone delivery and discover the role of drones in e-commerce.

1. Are drones suitable for delivery?

Absolutely! Drones can mainly deliver small light parcels, but there are adapted models for large and heavy parcels. Especially in areas where traditional delivery methods are difficult or time-consuming, you can consider drone delivery as an alternative solution. Think of remote villages or areas with poor infrastructure. In addition, drone delivery is easier in urban areas, where traffic congestion can often cause delays. This also gives you another solution for last-mile delivery.

However, there are still a few challenges. Drones must be able to deliver reliably in different weather conditions, be adequately protected against theft and not cause accidents. Moreover, a drone’s range is currently still limited, making drone delivery only possible at relatively short distances. Still, a parcel should be delivered safely in that short distance. Postal packaging with shock protection or other sturdy packaging will play an essential role in this regard.

2. Are your parcels already being delivered by a drone?

In some parts of the world, online orders are already being delivered to your front garden or front door. In fact, companies like Amazon, UPS and DHL have been experimenting with drone delivery in different countries for years. On the other hand, you can rely on drones for medical purposes, such as transporting medicines and blood samples. You also increasingly see drones popping up in warehouses for more targeted tasks such as stock management and technical inspections.

Although test projects for delivery are on a small scale for now, some progress has been made. So where is the rub? Security, privacy and European regulations. So it may be some time before drones can deliver a parcel to your front door or garden. Read below where Belgium and the Netherlands stand on drone deliveries.

► Drone delivery in Belgium

In late 2024, the company Helicus and the Jan Yperman Hospital launched a pilot project for the delivery of blood samples. Through a fully automated system, blood samples will be delivered directly from the Diksmuide medical centre to the laboratory at Jan Yperman Hospital.

For commercial purposes, you also see more and more testing in Belgium. From early 2025, a Belgian start-up, Drone Future, together with bpost, will test commercial drone deliveries between the bpost site in Mechelen and Technopolis. The drones will deliver and collect parcels (up to 5 kg) via a smart mailbox, which is secure, contactless and theft-proof. If the test proves successful, you may well be looking at the first commercial drone delivery route in Belgium.

► Drone delivery in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is in a similar testing phase. In the past, for instance, Amazon has conducted trials with drone delivery: the Prime Air service. In this, the Netherlands is 1 of the key locations for European airspace. These days, this project seems to be on hold for a while, as Amazon has set its sights on the UK.

In addition, Medical Drone Service, a partnership between PostNL Health and ANWB Medical Air Assistance, provides delivery of medical goods in the Netherlands. Their drones transport blood, medicines and medical samples between hospitals and patients. Through drone delivery, they aim to bring healthcare faster and closer to patients.

3. What products can drones transport?

As you have read by now, current drone deliveries mainly involve light and small packages. Depending on current technology and local regulations, the products allowed may vary. In countries where drone delivery is already used or tested, these are the most common applications:

• Medicines and other medical supplies: In remote areas or during emergencies, drones can quickly deliver life-saving supplies to the scene.
• Meals and groceries: including takeaway delivery, especially in urban areas.
• Small electronics: think phones, chargers or other accessories.
• Documents and packages: for urgent shipments.

Besides transporting products, you can also use drones for other tasks: inspecting buildings, objects and even for…transporting people. Chinese company Ehang, for example, has been conducting test flights to transport people by drone for years. You could call the concept a flying taxi. Of course, these drones are a lot stronger, which also brings the transport of larger and heavier packages more into focus.