U.S. Imposes New Section 232 Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Components (CBP Guidance Available)

Published Aug. 15, 2026 | Updated Sept. 2, 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%.
• Latest: On September 2, 2026, CBP issued entry-filing guidance for the new Section 232 duties, including the Chapter 99 HTSUS classifications importers and brokers must use for affected UAS and UAS components beginning September 3, 2026.

O​​​​​​​​​​​​​​n 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.

Latest Update: On September 2, 2026, CBP issued guidance outlining the Chapter 99 HTSUS classifications and duty reporting requirements for affected UAS and UAS components, including the requirements taking effect September 3, 2026, and February 9, 2027. More information on the CBP guidance below.

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.

CBP Guidance

Effective September 3, 2026, importers of goods classified under the applicable HTSUS classifications in Chapters 85 and 88 must report the applicable Chapter 99 HTSUS classification.

The applicable classifications are as follows:

• HTSUS 9903.08.20 covers articles provided for in the enumerated provisions of subdivision (c) of U.S. Note 43 to subchapter III that are not for use in or with the products described in those provisions. The additional ad valorem duty rate is 0%.
• HTSUS 9903.08.21 covers, except as provided under HTSUS 9903.08.23 through 9903.08.26, unmanned aircraft, their parts, and components provided for in subdivisions (c)(1) through (3) of U.S. Note 43. CBP specifies a 100% additional ad valorem duty for:
  • Unmanned aircraft, docking stations for unmanned aircraft, and parts for docking stations classified under HTSUS 8504.40.9580, 8537.10.9170, 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, classified under HTSUS 8807.10.00, 8807.20.00, 8807.30.00, and 8807.90.90.
  • Unmanned aircraft with thermal imaging classified under HTSUS 8806.21.00, 8806.22.00, 8806.23.00, 8806.91.00, 8806.92.00, and 8806.93.00.
• HTSUS 9903.08.22 covers, except as provided under HTSUS 9903.08.23 through 9903.08.26, unmanned aircraft provided for in subdivision (c)(4) of U.S. Note 43. This includes specified unmanned aircraft without thermal imaging classified under HTSUS 8806.21.00, 8806.22.00, 8806.23.00, 8806.91.00, 8806.92.00, and 8806.93.00. The additional ad valorem duty rate is 25%.
• HTSUS 9903.08.23 covers unmanned aircraft, parts, and components that are products of the United Kingdom, as provided for in subdivision (d) of U.S. Note 43. The additional ad valorem duty rate is 10%. DO NOT REPORT ANY DUTIES UNDER THIS HTSUS CLASSIFICATION UNTIL FURTHER GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED.
• HTSUS 9903.08.24 covers unmanned aircraft, parts, and components that are products of Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, or the listed member countries of the European Union, as provided for in subdivision (d) of U.S. Note 43. The rate is a 15% additional ad valorem rate of duty, combined Column 1 and Section 232 duty rate. DO NOT REPORT ANY DUTIES UNDER THIS HTSUS CLASSIFICATION UNTIL FURTHER GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED.
• HTSUS 9903.08.25 covers unmanned aircraft, parts, and components provided for in subdivisions (c) of U.S. Note 43 that are imported for companies subject to an onshoring plan approved by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of War. The additional ad valorem duty rate is 0%. CBP notes that HTSUS 9903.08.25 expires on February 9, 2027.
• HTSUS 9903.08.26 covers unmanned aircraft, parts, and components provided for in subdivisions (c) of U.S. Note 43 that are imported subject to an onshoring plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce under a process to be established in a Federal Register notice. The additional ad valorem duty rate is 0%. CBP states that filers should not report any duties under this classification until further guidance is provided.

Additional 27% Duty Beginning Feb. 9, 2027

Foods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on February 9, 2027, HTSUS 9903.08.22 will also cover certain parts or components for use in or with an unmanned aircraft system under subdivision (c)(5) of U.S. Note 43.

The specified components fall under HTSUS 8807.10.00, 8807.20.00, 8807.30.00, and 8807.90.90 and will carry a 25% additional ad valorem duty.

Subdivision (c)(2) covers 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.

Trade Agreements

For articles subject to HTSUS 9903.08.21 through 9903.08.26 that qualify for special tariff treatment under the free trade agreements or preference programs listed in General Note 3(c)(i), CBP states that the duties under those Chapter 99 headings will be collected in addition to the applicable special rate under the appropriate tariff subheading.

Chapter 98 Treatment

Goods entered under a Chapter 98 provision that are subject to the additional duties remain eligible for and subject to the applicable Chapter 98 provision and CBP regulations.

CBP states that no claim for entry, duty exemption, or duty reduction may be made under a Chapter 99 provision that provides a lower rate or duty-free treatment. Applicable antidumping, countervailing, and other duties and charges continue to apply.

Manufacturing Drawback

Manufacturing drawback claims under Section 313(a) and (b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1313(a)-(b), are available for duties imposed under Proclamation 11055 when the articles meet the specified conditions.

The conditions require that:

• The article is not a type of merchandise subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order.
• The article is a product of a Trade Agreement Partner.
• At least 85% of the content of the article is a product of Trade Agreement Partners.

CBP identifies the Trade Agreement Partners as the United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Canada, and any trading partner with which the United States concludes a trade and security agreement.

Foreign-Trade Zone Treatment

Products described in Annex I, Annex II, or Annex III of Proclamation 11055, except products eligible for admission as domestic status under 19 CFR 146.43, that are subject to the proclamation’s duties and admitted into a U.S. foreign-trade zone on or after the effective date must be admitted as privileged foreign status under 19 CFR 146.41.

Upon entry for consumption, those products will be subject to the applicable ad valorem rates of duty related to their classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading.

For questions about Section 232 entry filing, contact the Trade Remedy Branch at TradeRemedy@cbp.dhs.gov. For errors in filing an entry summary, CBP directs filers to contact their CBP Client Representative or the ACE Help Desk.

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.