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Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft, maximum take-off weight <=250 gHTSUS 8806210000U.S. customsImport 2026

Camera drone under 250 g HTSUS 8806210000: U.S. duty and import guide 2026

8/29/2026 · Updated 8/31/2026 · HSCodeChecker

Prepared by the Editorial Team using classification rules and official sources

Camera drone weighing 249 grams with customs classification records
Classification records should establish maximum take-off weight, control method, radio bands, EIRP and intended use.

Classification conclusion

HS 2022 moved unmanned aircraft into heading 8806; weight and remote-flight design now drive the subheading.

FieldConclusion
Proposed HTS code8806210000 — Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft, maximum take-off weight <=250 g
JurisdictionUnited States
Tariff editionHTSUS 2026
Rules appliedGIR/GRI 1 and 6
ConfidenceHigh when the entered merchandise matches the stated facts
ConditionA non-passenger quadcopter designed only for remote-controlled flight, fitted with a camera, with maximum take-off weight not exceeding 250 g. The aircraft function predominates over image capture.

Classification conclusion and tariff codes

HS 2022 moved unmanned aircraft into heading 8806; weight and remote-flight design now drive the subheading.

  • US: 8806210000 — Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft, maximum take-off weight <=250 g

Goods covered by this analysis

A non-passenger quadcopter designed only for remote-controlled flight, fitted with a camera, with maximum take-off weight not exceeding 250 g. The aircraft function predominates over image capture.

Classification basis and reasoning

  • GIR 1 applies HS 2022 heading 8806, which specifically names unmanned aircraft and resolves the older camera-versus-aircraft debate for qualifying products.
  • GIR 6 selects 8806.21 because the aircraft is for remote-controlled flight only and the maximum take-off weight is no more than 250 g.

When a new classification is required

  • Weight bands above 250 g use 8806.22, 8806.23 or 8806.24; autonomous aircraft not limited to remote-controlled flight use the 8806.9 branch.
  • Toy-grade products whose amusement character dominates require comparison with heading 9503.

Evidence to retain for customs entry

  • Maximum take-off weight
  • Remote-only versus autonomous flight
  • Professional aircraft versus toy

Official legal sources and relevant rulings

Limits of this conclusion

The US HTS reporting number above applies only when the imported merchandise matches the facts stated in this article. Before entry, verify the current HTSUS, applicable Chapter 99 provisions and trade-remedy measures; a material change in construction, function or condition as imported requires a new classification analysis.

2026 U.S. customs and import-law review

Legal review date: September 5, 2026. The USITC online HTSUS identified 2026 Revision 18 on this review date. Rates and Chapter 99 measures can change during the year, so the legally operative schedule is the edition in effect on the entry date.

1. Quick legal conclusion

The proposed reporting number is 8806210000 for Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft, maximum take-off weight <=250 g, but only for merchandise that matches this defined scope: A non-passenger quadcopter designed only for remote-controlled flight, fitted with a camera, with maximum take-off weight not exceeding 250 g. The aircraft function predominates over image capture. This is a fact-dependent classification opinion, not a CBP ruling and not a determination of admissibility, origin or AD/CVD scope.

2. Facts that must be verified before entry

  • Maximum take-off weight
  • Remote-only versus autonomous flight
  • Professional aircraft versus toy

Also obtain the complete bill of materials, technical drawings, model numbers, operating manual, condition and configuration as imported, transaction chain, manufacturer/producer, country of origin of material inputs and intended U.S. use. A material difference requires a new analysis.

3. HTSUS analysis and controlling authority

  • GIR 1 applies HS 2022 heading 8806, which specifically names unmanned aircraft and resolves the older camera-versus-aircraft debate for qualifying products.
  • GIR 6 selects 8806.21 because the aircraft is for remote-controlled flight only and the maximum take-off weight is no more than 250 g.

The analysis must begin with GRI 1, the heading text and binding Section/Chapter Notes, then proceed to GRI 2–5 only if legally necessary and to GRI 6 for subheadings. U.S. Additional Rules of Interpretation and Additional U.S. Notes are controlling where applicable. WCO Explanatory Notes are persuasive interpretive material but are not U.S. statutory text. A CROSS ruling is binding only for the requester and merchandise covered by its facts; materially similar rulings may be persuasive. CIT and Federal Circuit decisions control within their jurisdiction.

Goods outside this opinion include:

  • Weight bands above 250 g use 8806.22, 8806.23 or 8806.24; autonomous aircraft not limited to remote-controlled flight use the 8806.9 branch.
  • Toy-grade products whose amusement character dominates require comparison with heading 9503.

For recurring or high-value entries, request a prospective binding ruling from CBP under 19 CFR Part 177 and disclose all material facts. A ruling request is not a substitute for checking post-ruling HTSUS amendments or trade remedies.

4. Duty, fee and tax matrix

ChargeLegal treatment for this article
HTSUS Column 1 General dutyApply the rate printed beside 8806210000 in the HTSUS edition effective on the entry date. Any rate stated elsewhere in the article remains provisional until that check is completed.
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)Formal entries generally incur 0.3464% of entered value, excluding duty, freight and insurance, subject for FY 2026 to the CBP minimum $33.58 and maximum $651.50; an applicable preference program can alter MPF treatment.
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)0.125% of value when commercial cargo is unloaded from a vessel at a covered U.S. port; it ordinarily does not apply to air freight. See 26 U.S.C. 4461–4462 and 19 CFR 24.24.
Section 301 / other Chapter 99 dutyDetermine from the exact 8-digit HTSUS provision, country of origin, effective date and any valid exclusion. Report the required Chapter 99 number; do not assume the base HTS rate is the total landed duty.
Section 232Check current Chapter 99 notes, product/derivative coverage, origin and any required steel/aluminum/copper content, melt-and-pour or smelt-and-cast data. It does not apply merely because the article contains some metal.
AD dutyNot determinable from an HTS number. The written scope of an AD order is dispositive; HTS references are for convenience. Review product, producer/exporter, origin and circumvention findings. Cash-deposit and final assessment rates can differ.
CVD dutyThe same written-scope rule applies. Confirm the case-specific company or all-others cash-deposit rate and liquidation instructions in Commerce ACCESS and ACE.
Safeguard / quotaCheck current Chapter 99, quota and safeguard measures as of entry. Product scope, origin, quantity and quota period control.
Federal excise taxNo product-specific federal excise tax is identified from the stated facts; confirm the intended use and the current Internal Revenue Code before entry.
State sales/use and other state taxesThese are not CBP customs duties. They depend on destination, importer nexus, later sale/use and state/local law and require a separate domestic-tax review.

This table does not calculate landed cost. The importer must also determine customs value under 19 U.S.C. 1401a, including assists, packing, royalties/license fees, proceeds and related-party acceptability. A “first sale” claim requires a bona fide sale for export to the United States, arm's-length evidence and a complete transaction trail.

5. AD/CVD and evasion review

Do not infer trade-remedy status from the HTS number alone. Screen the country of origin, producer and written scope of every active AD/CVD order, and test any applicable Chapter 99 provision as of the entry date.

The written scope description is dispositive; an HTSUS number in an order is only a convenience reference. If coverage is uncertain, obtain a Commerce scope ruling under 19 CFR 351.225 before relying on a non-covered position. Minor processing or assembly in a third country can trigger a circumvention analysis. False origin, undervaluation or evasion can lead to EAPA investigation under 19 U.S.C. 1517 and civil penalties under 19 U.S.C. 1592.

6. Partner Government Agency and product compliance

HTS classification does not authorize flight. The operator must separately assess FAA registration, 14 CFR Part 107, Remote ID under 14 CFR Part 89 and any airspace restrictions. Radio transmitters require FCC authorization, and the lithium battery requires compliant dangerous-goods transport documentation.

PGA admissibility is independent of tariff classification. Transmit all required agency data and documents through ACE; a CBP release does not cure a violation of an FDA, CPSC, EPA, FCC, DOT, USDA or other agency rule.

7. Origin, marking and UFLPA

Determine nonpreferential origin under the substantial-transformation test and any product-specific rule; do not rely only on the shipping country, invoice origin or location of final packing. Mark the article and, when required, its container under 19 U.S.C. 1304 and 19 CFR Part 134, unless a documented exception applies. Section 301, AD/CVD, government procurement and a preference program may use distinct origin rules.

Under 19 U.S.C. 1307 and the UFLPA, goods mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part in Xinjiang, or by an entity on the UFLPA Entity List, are subject to a rebuttable presumption of exclusion. Maintain supplier identity, production, payment, logistics and input-tracing evidence; a generic supplier declaration is not enough for a high-risk supply chain.

8. Minimum entry file

  • CBP entry/cargo release data and Form 7501 record, customs bond, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading/air waybill.
  • Purchase orders, payment records, Incoterms, assists/royalties analysis and related-party or first-sale valuation support.
  • Product specifications, drawings, photographs, manuals, composition/BOM, model cross-reference and condition as imported.
  • Signed classification memorandum applying the GRIs, legal notes, current HTSUS text and relevant rulings, plus rejected alternatives.
  • Origin and marking analysis; producer/supplier affidavits and traceability records; Chapter 99 and exclusion support.
  • AD/CVD scope search, producer/exporter case numbers and cash-deposit instructions, even when the conclusion is “not covered.”
  • All PGA registrations, certificates, laboratory reports, licenses, notices and ACE data required for this product.

Keep entry and supporting records for the statutory period, generally five years, under 19 U.S.C. 1508 and 19 CFR Part 163.

9. Principal legal risks

  • Declaring a 10-digit number from the trade name without proving the imported condition and legally relevant characteristics.
  • Omitting a Chapter 99 number or calculating only the Column 1 rate.
  • Treating an AD/CVD HTS cross-reference as dispositive instead of reading the written scope.
  • Using shipping country as origin without a substantial-transformation and marking analysis.
  • Filing before PGA admissibility, certificates, laboratory evidence or supply-chain traceability are complete.

An incorrect entry can produce redelivery, exclusion/seizure, duty reassessment, interest, loss of liquidation defenses and penalties. If past entries contain a material error, promptly evaluate a post-summary correction, protest, prior disclosure under 19 CFR 162.74 or other corrective procedure with U.S. customs counsel; the correct route depends on entry and liquidation status.

10. Pre-entry action checklist

1. Lock the specifications and imported configuration for the exact SKU. 2. Re-run classification against the current HTSUS and record GRI/Note reasoning. 3. Determine customs value, nonpreferential origin and marking. 4. Screen Chapter 99, Section 301/232, quota/safeguard and every potentially relevant AD/CVD scope. 5. Complete the product-specific PGA review and obtain supporting certificates before shipment. 6. Calculate landed duties and fees, then have the importer and licensed customs broker validate ACE reporting. 7. For unresolved or commercially material classification issues, obtain a CBP Part 177 ruling before importation.

Official legal sources

> Legal notice: This article provides general U.S. customs and trade-compliance information based on the stated facts as of September 5, 2026. It is not a CBP, Commerce or PGA ruling and is not legal advice for a specific transaction. Current HTSUS/Chapter 99 text, agency requirements and case-specific AD/CVD instructions must be rechecked at entry.

Editorial note

Prepared by the Global HS Code Checker Editorial Team for customs-classification, tariff and import-policy research. The correct code and applicable measures may change with the merchandise's actual characteristics, jurisdiction, entry date and supporting record. Verify the current tariff, governing measures and competent customs authority before filing an entry. A reviewer is identified only after a named expert has completed the review.

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