New Section 232 Tariffs Announced for Drones and UAS Components
Effective September 3, 2026, for applicable imports into the United States
On August 13, 2026, President Trump issued Proclamation 11055, Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components into the United States, following a Department of Commerce Section 232 national security investigation.
The action establishes a new Chapter 99 framework under U.S. Note 43 and HTSUS headings 9903.08.20 through 9903.08.26.
New Tariff Structure
Larger UAS with maximum take-off weight over 25 kg
Section 232 Treatment - 100%
Effective Date - September 3, 2026
UAS incorporating thermal imaging
Section 232 Treatment - 100%
Effective Date - September 3, 2026
Certain UAS docking stations and critical components
Section 232 Treatment - 100%
Effective Date - September 3, 2026
UAS of 25 kg or less without thermal imaging
Section 232 Treatment - 25%
Effective Date - September 3, 2026
Certain additional UAS parts and components
Section 232 Treatment - 25%
Effective Date - February 9, 2027
The duties apply to the full value of the covered article, rather than only to the value of a particular metal or component.
Annex I establishes the 100% tariff and specifically identifies certain provisions marked “TI” for UAS incorporating thermal imaging and provisions marked “Part” for qualifying parts used with UAS exceeding 25 kg.
Annex II applies the 25% tariff to listed UAS with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg or less when the aircraft does not incorporate thermal imaging.
The additional component tariff contained in Annex III is delayed until February 9, 2027. When a component is covered by both Annex I and Annex III, the Annex I treatment controls.
Reduced Treatment for Certain Trading Partners
The proclamation provides reduced treatment for qualifying products from certain trading partners when substantially all critical components and technology meet specified origin requirements.
Qualifying products of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and European Union member countries are provided special treatment under HTSUS 9903.08.24. This generally results in a combined 15% rate where the Column 1 rate is below 15%.
Qualifying United Kingdom products are provided separate treatment under HTSUS 9903.08.23.
These benefits are not based solely on the country of origin of the finished UAS. Importers must satisfy the required critical-component and technology criteria, as well as applicable certification procedures established by the Department of Commerce.
U.S. Onshoring Incentives
The proclamation also establishes tariff incentives for companies investing in new U.S. UAS and component production.
Approved companies may qualify to import covered supply-chain products and necessary production equipment without the new Section 232 duties. Eligibility is subject to approved onshoring plans, volume limitations, monitoring, and other Department of Commerce requirements.
Separate Chapter 99 provisions — 9903.08.25 and 9903.08.26 — implement these programs. Heading 9903.08.25 is scheduled to terminate on February 9, 2027.
Important Importer Considerations
The new UAS duties generally apply in addition to other applicable duties and trade remedies. Antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD), as well as other applicable duties and charges, continue to apply.
Chapter 98 treatment may remain available where its requirements are otherwise satisfied. However, the new Section 232 duties remain subject to the specific rules established in U.S. Note 43. Certain Chapter 99 provisions that would otherwise provide a lower or duty-free rate may not be used to reduce the new UAS Section 232 duty.
Covered merchandise entered into a U.S. foreign-trade zone after the applicable effective date generally must be admitted in privileged foreign status, unless eligible for domestic status.
The proclamation also significantly limits drawback of the new duties.
Importers Should Begin Reviewing
Importers should begin reviewing:
Current HTSUS classifications for drones and aircraft components;
Whether an imported component is actually intended for use in a UAS;
Maximum take-off weight of the applicable UAS;
Whether the UAS incorporates thermal imaging;
Country of origin of the finished product;
Origin of critical components and technology;
Potential approved onshoring or Blue UAS treatment; and
Other tariffs, AD/CVD, or special programs that remain applicable.
Juno Customs Solutions will continue monitoring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Commerce implementation guidance as the September 3, 2026 effective date approaches.