03.09.2026 Regulation #USA #China #EU #Export #Import #Duties #Sanctions

US eases drone export rules a day after imposing up to 100% import duties

The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule on August 14, 2026 easing export controls on civilian drones; it took effect on August 13 — a day ahead of official publication, relying on an exemption from advance notice-and-comment rulemaking under section 1762 of ECRA (50 U.S.C. 4821) (Federal Register). A day earlier, on August 13, the president signed a Section 232 proclamation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 imposing import duties of up to 100% on drones and components (The White House). Exporting drones out of the US just got easier; importing them got significantly more expensive.

How the export-control thresholds changed

BIS revised ECCN 9A012.a, the classification covering civilian UAVs:

the national security (NS) control threshold was raised from an endurance of 30 minutes to 3 hours, and wind-gust tolerance was eliminated as a control parameter (Federal Register);
for UAVs with endurance under 3 hours (9A012.a.1), NS Column 2 controls were removed entirely — most destinations now face only anti-terrorism (AT1) controls;
for UAVs with 3 hours or more of endurance (9A012.a.2), NS Column 1 and AT1 remain, with missile-technology (MT Column 1) controls added for a range of 300 km or more;
correspondingly, ECCN 9A610 gained MT controls for UAVs with a range of 300 km or more, but a new subcategory, 9A610.y.33, carves out less-sensitive parts (brackets, carrying cases, controllers, cables, adapters);
License Exception STA (Strategic Trade Authorization) was expanded for Country Group A:5, with a carve-out: it does not apply to UAVs capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km.

BIS justifies the change by noting that software and technical know-how for drones capable of 60 minutes or more of flight are now "globally commercially widespread." The agency received 12 comments on the proposal, of which 9 were substantive (Federal Register).

The easing is not universal, though: the entire 9A610.y subcategory, including the new 9A610.y.33, retains regional stability (RS) controls for China, Russia and Venezuela — exports and reexports of these parts to those three countries still require a license (Federal Register).

Section 232 duties: rates and who pays them

The proclamation signed August 13 imposes duties on imports of unmanned aircraft systems and components (The White House):

100% on UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight above 25 kg, thermal-imaging drones, docking stations, and select critical components (Annex I);
25% on UAVs at or below 25 kg (Annex II), plus select components under Annex III on a delayed schedule;
15% for goods from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Taiwan;
10% for goods from the United Kingdom.

Duties under Annex I and II take effect September 3, 2026; the delayed rate on Annex III components starts February 9, 2027.

What it means for importers and exporters

The export-control easing is aimed mainly at sales of US drones to allies: manufacturers can more easily obtain licenses and rely on the STA exception for most commercial and recreational models with under 3 hours of endurance, and the exception itself now covers more of Country Group A:5. But for parts falling under 9A610.y (including 9A610.y.33), shipments to China, Russia and Venezuela remain subject to regional stability controls and still require a license — the broader easing does not reach these three destinations.

For businesses importing drones and their parts into the US, the duties matter far more: the 100% and 25% rates apply from September 3, while the reduced 15% and 10% rates are available only for goods from the listed allied jurisdictions. Companies should verify the country of origin of their shipments to confirm eligibility for a reduced rate and recalculate landed costs against Annex I–III.

Primary sources

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.