About HS Code 880691
This category encompasses very small unmanned aircraft, typically weighing no more than 250 grams, designed for "other than remote-controlled flight," implying autonomous or pre-programmed operation. These micro-drones are widely popular for hobbyist use, educational purposes, and lightweight commercial applications such as indoor inspections or basic aerial photography, where portability and minimal regulatory burden are key advantages. Due to their small size and weight, they often fall under less stringent aviation regulations compared to larger drones, making them highly accessible in international markets. Major importers are consumer electronics distributors, toy retailers, and educational institutions, while exporters are predominantly manufacturers from East Asia and, increasingly, specialized tech companies globally. The trade volume is significant, driven by affordability, ease of use, and rapid technological advancements in miniaturization and AI-powered autonomous flight capabilities.
Products Under This Code
Mini-drones, nano-drones, pocket drones, toy drones, indoor inspection drones, educational drones, micro-UAVs, FPV racing drones (micro)
Real World Examples
DJI Mini 3 Pro (under 250g), Ryze Tello, Holy Stone HS110D (some variants), Eachine E010, BetaFPV Cetus X (some configurations)
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from 880629 due to its "other than remote-controlled flight" (autonomous/pre-programmed) and significantly lower weight, and from 950300 for toy aircraft if it has advanced autonomous capabilities beyond simple play.
Products Classified Under 8806.91
Trade Overview
China is a dominant exporter, with widespread imports across North America, Europe, and Asia for consumer and hobbyist markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 880691?
HS code 880691 covers: Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight not more than 250g. This category encompasses very small unmanned aircraft, typically weighing no more than 250 grams, designed for "other than remote-controlled flight," implying autonomous or pre-programmed operation. These micro-drones are widely popular for hobbyist use, educational purposes, and lightweight commercial applications such as indoor inspections or basic aerial photography, where portability and minimal regulatory burden are key advantages. Due to their small size and weight, they often fall under less stringent aviation regulations compared to larger drones, making them highly accessible in international markets. Major importers are consumer electronics distributors, toy retailers, and educational institutions, while exporters are predominantly manufacturers from East Asia and, increasingly, specialized tech companies globally. The trade volume is significant, driven by affordability, ease of use, and rapid technological advancements in miniaturization and AI-powered autonomous flight capabilities.
What products fall under HS code 880691?
Mini-drones, nano-drones, pocket drones, toy drones, indoor inspection drones, educational drones, micro-UAVs, FPV racing drones (micro)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 880691?
This code is distinct from 880629 due to its "other than remote-controlled flight" (autonomous/pre-programmed) and significantly lower weight, and from 950300 for toy aircraft if it has advanced autonomous capabilities beyond simple play.
How is HS code 880691 structured?
HS code 880691 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (88) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.