HS Codes for Drones and Drone Parts: 8806, 8807 and More

Correct tariff classification is one of the first steps when importing unmanned aircraft and spare parts from China. The Harmonized System (HS), maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), gives every product a six-digit code that is the same in all member countries. National tariffs then add further digits: the EU uses 8-digit Combined Nomenclature codes and 10-digit TARIC codes, Turkey uses a 12-digit GTİP code, and Chinese customs declarations use 10-digit commodity codes. This guide covers the internationally harmonized six-digit level only. National subheadings, duty rates and import conditions must always be confirmed with the customs authority of the destination country.

Complete Unmanned Aircraft: Heading 88.06

In the current HS 2022 edition, unmanned aircraft have their own heading, 88.06. Note 1 to Chapter 88 defines an unmanned aircraft as any aircraft, other than those of heading 88.01, designed to be flown without a pilot on board. It may carry a payload or have permanently integrated digital cameras or other equipment for utilitarian functions. Flying toys designed solely for amusement are excluded and belong to heading 95.03.

• 8806.10: Designed for the carriage of passengers.
• Other, for remote-controlled flight only:
• 8806.21: Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) not more than 250 g.
• 8806.22: MTOW more than 250 g but not more than 7 kg.
• 8806.23: MTOW more than 7 kg but not more than 25 kg.
• 8806.24: MTOW more than 25 kg but not more than 150 kg.
• 8806.29: Other.
• Other: 8806.91 to 8806.99 repeat the same weight bands (not more than 250 g; 250 g to 7 kg; 7 kg to 25 kg; 25 kg to 150 kg; other) for unmanned aircraft that are not limited to remote-controlled flight.

For these subheadings, a Subheading Note defines maximum take-off weight as the maximum weight of the machine in normal flying order at take-off, including payload, equipment and fuel. Use the MTOW stated in the technical specification, not the empty weight.

Parts: Heading 88.07

Heading 88.07 covers parts of goods of heading 88.01, 88.02 or 88.06:

• 8807.10: Propellers and rotors and parts thereof.
• 8807.20: Under-carriages and parts thereof.
• 8807.30: Other parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft.
• 8807.90: Other.

Under Note 3 to Section XVII, parts are only classified in Chapter 88 if they are suitable for use solely or principally with the articles of that Chapter.

Why Many Drone Components Fall Outside Chapter 88

A common mistake is to declare every spare part under 8807.30. Note 2 to Section XVII excludes several groups from the parts headings even when they are identifiable as being for aircraft, including parts of general use (Section XV) and similar plastic goods, machines and apparatus of headings 84.01 to 84.79, electrical machinery or equipment of Chapter 85, and articles of Chapter 90. Components shipped separately are therefore usually classified under their own headings, for example:

• Battery packs: 8507.60 (lithium-ion accumulators).
• Electric motors: heading 85.01. The subheading depends on motor type and output; for example, 8501.10 covers motors of an output not exceeding 37.5 W and 8501.31 covers other DC motors of an output not exceeding 750 W.
• Remote controls and navigation receivers: 8526.92 (radio remote control apparatus) and 8526.91 (radio navigational aid apparatus).
• Data links: apparatus for transmitting and receiving data may fall under 8517.62 (machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data).
• Cameras: television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders fall under 8525.81 to 8525.89, with 8525.89 as the residual "other" subheading.
• Navigation and survey instruments: 9014.20 covers instruments and appliances for aeronautical or space navigation (other than compasses); heading 90.15 covers surveying, including photogrammetrical surveying, instruments and rangefinders.

Flight controllers and other multi-function modules have no single obvious code internationally; their classification depends on their function and design. On the Chinese export side, a joint announcement effective 18 November 2026 links autopilots specially designed for unmanned aircraft to Chinese customs code 90142010.10, a national subdivision of 9014.20, and lists them as controlled dual-use items. The import classification in your country is still decided by your own customs authority.

Best Practices for Customs Declarations

Under General Rule of Interpretation 2(a), a reference to an article includes that article incomplete or unfinished if it has the essential character of the complete article, and also the complete article presented unassembled or disassembled. A complete kit shipped together may therefore be classified as a finished drone rather than as separate parts. Some drones and components are also subject to Chinese export controls: Chinese export declarations for these goods must state technical indicators and note whether the goods are controlled items, so the supplier needs accurate specifications too. Because classification depends on exact technical specifications, ask suppliers for detailed datasheets, and request an advance classification ruling where the destination country offers one. A reference code never guarantees a duty rate or clearance outcome. To connect with Chinese suppliers who provide clear technical documentation for customs classification, contact our team through the inquiry form on our website.