U.S. Imposes New Section 232 Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and Components
Published Aug. 15, 2026
Key Points
- The U.S. will impose a 100% Section 232 tariff on certain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS components.
- The 100% tariff covers UAS with a maximum take-off weight above 25 kilograms, UAS with thermal imagers, UAS docking stations, and certain components listed in Annex I.
- A 25% tariff will apply to qualifying UAS with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms or less.
- A separate 25% tariff on certain UAS components listed in Annex III will take effect on February 9, 2027.
- The new tariffs generally begin on September 3, 2026.
- Qualifying products from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the European Union will have a maximum duty rate of 15%. Qualifying products from the United Kingdom will have a maximum rate of 10%.
On August 13, 2026, President
Trump issued a proclamation imposing new Section 232 tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS components. The new duties include a 100% tariff on UAS with a maximum take-off weight of more than 25 kilograms, UAS with thermal imagers, UAS docking stations, and certain critical components. A 25% tariff will apply to UAS with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms or less and certain UAS components. According to the White House fact sheet, drones used for commercial and U.S. military purposes rely on foreign sources for critical UAS components, which create supply chain and cybersecurity risks.
New Tariff Rates
- 100% ad valorem: UAS with a maximum take-off weight above 25 kilograms, UAS with thermal imaging, UAS docking stations, and certain UAS components listed in Annex I.
- 25% ad valorem: UAS with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms or less, as listed in Annex II.
- 25% ad valorem: Certain UAS components listed in Annex III
- Lower rates for certain trading partners:
- 15%: European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein
- 10%: United Kingdom
For the full list of covered UAS, drones, and components, see the Annex I, Annex II, Annex III, and Annex IV attachments.
Effective Dates
- For products covered by Annex I and Annex II, the new duties apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on September 3, 2026.
- For Annex III components, the 25% duty applies beginning February 9, 2027. The duties will apply in addition to other applicable duties, taxes, fees, and charges unless the proclamation provides otherwise.
Meanwhile, companies on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, Blue UAS Framework, or the Federal Communications Commission’s Conditional Approval List as of September 2, 2026, can receive a delayed effective date of 180 days from August 13, 2026, for qualifying covered products and components.
Onshoring Incentives
The Secretary of Commerce is to create an onshoring program for companies investing in new U.S. facilities to produce UAS and UAS components. Companies with approved plans can import covered products and necessary production equipment without paying applicable Section 232 duties while their facilities are under construction. Construction must take place before January 20, 2029.
Drawback and Foreign-Trade Zone Rules
Manufacturing drawback claims for covered products are limited to qualifying merchandise that meets specific origin and content requirements, including a requirement that at least 85% of the content come from designated Trade Agreement Partners.
Covered products entered into a U.S. foreign-trade zone on or after the applicable effective date must generally receive privileged foreign status and become subject to the applicable tariff when entered for consumption.
The Secretary must provide an update to the President within 120 days of the proclamation and can recommend further action if market or national security conditions warrant it.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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