Aleksandar Erceg
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek,
Faculty of Economics in Osijek, Croatia
E-mail: aerceg@efos.hr

Biljana Činčurak Erceg
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Law Osijek, Croatia
E-mail: biljana.cincurak@pravos.hr

Aleksandra Vasilj
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Law Osijek, Croatia
E-mail: avasilj@pravos.hr

Abstract

Business logistics is important for delivering products in time, without damage
and with the lowest possible costs. With current technology developments, there are
many ideas and projects about how to reach this goal. One of these developments
includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – widely known as drones, for use in
logistics as a tool to deliver products to their final users.
The use of unmanned aircraft systems is not new and they are presently used for
different applications worldwide, from military purposes to filming and crop control.
Recently the idea about using drones in logistics has been tested by different logistics
companies for different purposes, from last mile deliveries of ordered products to
deliveries from fast food restaurants. Due to this the question arises – can it be done
in Croatia? If yes, by whom, and for what purposes in logistics?
This paper will provide a definition of unmanned aircraft systems and present
various applications thereof, as well as the types currently used throughout the world.
Since unmanned aircraft systems are starting to become a part of logistics, different
examples of drones’ use in logistics worldwide are presented. We will analyse legal
regulation in Croatia, possible problems, and will also consider who could be potential
users of unmanned aircraft systems in logistics, either for last mile deliveries or for
some other purpose. In conclusion, we will propose further research in this field and
how it may influence further development of business logistics.

Key words: unmanned aircraft systems, drones, legal regulation, logistics, Republic of Croatia

Last Update: October 26, 2017