CBP Issues Guidance on New Section 232 Duties for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Components

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued implementation guidance through CSMS #69738151 regarding Presidential Proclamation 11055, which imposes new Section 232 duties on certain imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), drones, and related components effective for covered merchandise entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on September 3, 2026, with additional provisions applicable beginning February 9, 2027.

Importers should note that Section 232 duties under HTSUS headings 9903.08.21 through 9903.08.26 apply in addition to any preferential duty treatment available under qualifying free trade agreements or preference programs. FTA eligibility does not exempt covered merchandise from these Section 232 duties. Also, provisions 9903.08.23 (UK – 10%), 9903.08.24 (JP, LI, KR, CH, TW, EU – 15%), and 9903.08.26 (0%) are not to be reported until further guidance is provided.

Effective September 3, 2026

HTSUS 9903.08.20 – 0% Additional Duty

This provision applies to articles classified under the HTSUS subheadings identified in U.S. Note 43 that are not intended for use in or with covered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), drones, or related components. Qualifying merchandise is subject to a 0% additional Section 232 duty.

HTSUS 9903.08.21 – 100% Additional Duty

A 100% additional ad valorem duty applies to specified:

Unmanned aircraft, docking stations, and parts for drone docking stations:

• 8504.40.9580
• 8537.10.9170
• 8806.24.00
• 8806.29.00
• 8806.94.00
• 8806.99.00

Certain parts and components used in unmanned aircraft systems weighing more than 25 kg (with limited exceptions):

• 8807.10.00
• 8807.20.00
• 8807.30.00
• 8807.90.90

Unmanned aircraft equipped with thermal imaging:

• 8806.21.00
• 8806.22.00
• 8806.23.00
• 8806.91.00
• 8806.92.00
• 8806.93.00

HTSUS 9903.08.22 – 25% Additional Duty

A 25% additional duty applies to:

• Unmanned aircraft without thermal imaging classified under:
• 8806.21.00
• 8806.22.00
• 8806.23.00
• 8806.91.00
• 8806.92.00
• 8806.93.00

HTSUS 9903.08.25 – 0% Additional Duty

• Imports by companies operating under an approved DHS or Department of War onshoring plan
• Provision expires February 9, 2027

Additional Duties Effective February 9, 2027

Beginning February 9, 2027, the 25% duty under HTSUS 9903.08.22 expands to include:

• Most UAS parts and components classified under:
• 8807.10.00
• 8807.20.00
• 8807.30.00
• 8807.90.90

The exception remains for components covered under U.S. Note 43(c)(2), “Parts or components for use in or with an unmanned aircraft system with a maximum take-off weight of more than 25kg, except those for systems for retail delivery use, agricultural use, or sale to the Department of War.”

If you have questions regarding how these changes may affect your imports, please contact our Compliance Team for assistance in reviewing your products and determining the applicable duty treatment.

Casey Murphy
Asst. Director, Compliance & Customs Services
CV International, Inc.