Section 232 tariffs on drones and drone parts start
From Sep 3, 2026, drones pay a Section 232 tariff on top of the regular duty: 100% for larger drones, drones with thermal imaging, docking stations and certain parts, and 25% for other small drones. Other drone parts are scheduled to pay 25% from Feb 9, 2027.
Proclamation 11055, signed Aug 13, 2026, put Section 232 tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems and their components entered from Sep 3, 2026, on top of the regular duty and other duties. CBP's guidance (CSMS # 69738151) sets out the headings:
- 100% (heading 9903.08.21): "Unmanned aircraft, docking stations for unmanned aircraft or parts for such docking stations" in the listed provisions, including drones in 8806.24.00, 8806.29.00, 8806.94.00 and 8806.99.00; "Parts or components for use in or with an unmanned aircraft system with a maximum take-off weight of more than 25 kg, except those for systems for retail delivery use, agricultural use, or sale to the Department of War"; and "Unmanned aircraft with thermal imaging".
- 25% (heading 9903.08.22): "Unmanned aircraft without thermal imaging" in 8806.21.00, 8806.22.00, 8806.23.00, 8806.91.00, 8806.92.00 and 8806.93.00.
Goods in the listed provisions that are "not for use in or with the products described therein" are reported under heading 9903.08.20 at no extra duty. From Feb 9, 2027, other drone parts are scheduled to pay 25%.
The proclamation caps the rate at 10% for the United Kingdom, and at 15% including the regular duty for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the EU, "only if substantially all the critical components and technology are certified by importers to be products of" those countries or the United States. CBP told filers not to report duties under those headings (9903.08.23 and 9903.08.24) until further guidance. For companies on the Blue UAS or FCC Conditional Approval lists on Sep 2, 2026, the start for their listed products is 180 days after the proclamation. Details are on the program page.