On August 13, 2026, the Trump Administration introduced a combination of trade measures intended to expand export opportunities for US unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) manufacturers while increasing incentives to source and produce drone technologies in the United States. The actions reflect a concerted approach to strengthen the US drone sector and address concerns about supply chain resilience and national security.
Streamlined Export Controls
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) issued a final rule (“Final Rule”) substantially easing export controls applicable to many commercial drones and related software and technology. The rule implements and expands upon the Administration’s efforts to facilitate exports of US-manufactured drones and related technologies to foreign partners. The Final Rule follows an interim final rule (“IFR”) published by BIS in January 2026 that made preliminary changes to US drone export controls. Taking into account public comments about the IFR, BIS determined that several longstanding control parameters no longer reflect current market realities and observed that many drone capabilities previously viewed as sensitive are now broadly accessible through commercial channels around the world.
Among the most significant changes, the Final Rule removed wind-gust tolerance as a control criterion and substantially increased the flight-endurance threshold used to determine whether certain drones remain subject to national-security licensing requirements under Export Control Classification Number (“ECCN”) 9A012 in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). BIS also removed particular national-security controls applicable to lower-endurance drones and made corresponding revisions affecting related software and technology. At the same time, BIS retained restrictions applicable to sanctioned destinations and certain military end uses and end users, including by adding certain drone-related ECCNs to Supplement No. 2 of EAR Part 744.
The Final Rule also revises the treatment of military-oriented drone platforms by clarifying when certain systems should be classified under ECCN 9A610 rather than under other ECCNs. Under the revised framework, the key inquiry is not simply a drone’s performance characteristics, but whether the drone is “specially designed” for a military use. BIS indicated that a drone that is not enumerated on the US Munitions List administered by the US Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls should be reviewed under ECCN 9A610 if it has been designed or modified to meet military requirements by incorporating at least one feature or capability that would not ordinarily be included for civil or commercial purposes.
In addition, BIS created new ECCN 9A610.y.33for less-sensitive drone parts and accessories such as brackets, carrying cases, controllers, cables, adapters, chargers, docks, mounts, propellers, and propeller systems for military UAVs. BIS explained that these items generally do not provide a significant military or intelligence advantage and therefore do not warrant the stricter controls applicable to more sensitive military drone items.
Section 232 Tariffs
On the same day as the revisions to US drone export controls, President Trump issued a proclamation announcing the imposition of new tariffs on imported drones and drone components pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation states that reliance on imported drone platforms and key inputs could expose the United States to supply disruptions, information-security concerns, and limitations in domestic production capacity during periods of increased demand. Commerce also identified substantial dependence on overseas suppliers for numerous core drone technologies and subcomponents used by the domestic industry. The White House also published a Fact Sheet addressing certain aspects of the tariffs.
Under the new tariff regime, a 100% ad valorem duty will apply generally to imports of drones weighing more than 25 kilograms, drones incorporating thermal imaging capabilities, drone docking stations, and certain designated components. Other categories of drones and components generally will be subject to a 25% tariff. The proclamation establishes preferential treatment for imports of drones and drone components from certain allied trading partners. Drones and drone components originating in the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein may qualify for an effective tariff rate not exceeding 15%, while qualifying products from the United Kingdom may be subject to a rate not exceeding 10%. Eligibility depends on certification requirements relating to the origin of critical technology and components. The drone tariffs will not stack atop the recently announced forced labor tariffs.
Most of the tariffs are scheduled to take effect on September 3, 2026, while duties on certain component and smaller drones will not become effective until February 9, 2027, to allow domestic production capacity to develop. The proclamation also delays implementation of the tariffs for 180 days for importers on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, the Blue UAS Framework, or the FCC’s Conditional Approval List.
The proclamation also establishes an onshoring incentive program administered by the Department of Commerce. Businesses that undertake qualifying US manufacturing projects may be eligible for temporary tariff relief during the build-out phase of those facilities, subject to Commerce Department approval and compliance with program requirements. The program is intended to encourage investment in new domestic production capacity for drones and drone components while supporting broader supply chain development objectives.
Takeaways
Companies involved in the manufacture, export, import, or procurement of drones and drone components should assess both the opportunities and risks presented by these developments. US exporters may benefit from reduced licensing requirements for many commercial drone products, while importers should evaluate the scope of the new Section 232 tariffs, the availability of country-specific tariff reductions, and the potential advantages of participating in Commerce’s onshoring initiative.
The authors acknowledge the assistance of Avi Toltzis in the preparation of this post.
