Product classification
HS code for Autonomous cargo drones: 8806.99
Unmanned aircraft, for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 150kg.
Classification of autonomous cargo drones under HS 8806.99
Autonomous cargo drones are classified under HS code 880699. This classification specifically covers "Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 150kg." The critical elements for this classification are the drone's autonomous operational capability (not remote-controlled), its primary function being cargo transport rather than passenger carriage, and its substantial maximum take-off weight exceeding 150 kilograms. This code is designed for larger, heavier unmanned aerial vehicles that operate independently, often for industrial logistics, heavy-duty inspection, or specialized agricultural applications requiring significant payload capacity.
- Covers
- Heavy-lift autonomous delivery drones for industrial supply chains
- Large autonomous UAVs designed for agricultural spraying with substantial liquid tanks
- Autonomous drones for infrastructure inspection carrying heavy sensor arrays
- Unmanned aerial systems for maritime surveillance with extended endurance and payload
- Autonomous logistics drones for remote area resupply operations
- Also under 8806.99
- Airbus Zephyr S
- Boeing MQ-25 Stingray (autonomous aspects)
- General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian
- Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie
- Baykar Bayraktar Akฤฑncฤฑ
Codes often confused with 8806.99
Common mistake. Misclassification frequently occurs with other types of unmanned aircraft based on their control method and weight. HS code 880692 covers autonomous drones with a maximum take-off weight between 250g and 7kg, which are typically smaller consumer or light commercial models. The primary distinction from 880699 is the significant difference in maximum take-off weight. Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft, regardless of weight, are generally classified under HS codes such as 88062x (for those designed for remote-controlled flight) or 880691 (for other remote-controlled unmanned aircraft). The 'autonomous' aspect, meaning the ability to operate without continuous human input, is a key differentiator from remote-controlled systems.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880699 (the code used for autonomous cargo drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880699 (the code used for autonomous cargo drones) in UN Comtrade data was Israel, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 51% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880699, not only autonomous cargo drones.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 Israel $121M 46% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $87M 33% of world exports
- 3 United States $33M 13% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $263M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 Australia $205M 51% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$71M 17% of world imports ยท partner records โ
- 3 Japan $55M 13% of world imports
World total: $406M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for autonomous cargo drones
Brazil classifies autonomous cargo drones under NCM 8806.99.00: HS 8806.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about autonomous cargo drones
What is the HS code for Autonomous cargo drones?
The HS code for Autonomous cargo drones is 880699 (Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 150kg). The HS code for autonomous cargo drones is 880699. This applies to unmanned aircraft that operate autonomously, are not designed for passenger carriage, and have a maximum take-off weight exceeding 150 kilograms.
How do I classify Autonomous cargo drones for customs?
Autonomous cargo drones is classified under HS code 880699 โ Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 150kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does take-off weight influence the HS classification of autonomous drones?
Take-off weight is a critical factor in the HS classification of autonomous drones. For instance, autonomous drones with a maximum take-off weight between 250g and 7kg are classified under 880692, while those exceeding 150kg, such as autonomous cargo drones, fall under 880699. These weight thresholds delineate different subheadings, reflecting varying scales of operation and capabilities.
Which countries are the top exporters of autonomous cargo drones (HS 880699)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880699 (the code used for autonomous cargo drones) in UN Comtrade data were Israel ($121M, 46% of world exports), the Netherlands ($87M) and the United States ($33M). World exports came to about $263M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of autonomous cargo drones (HS 880699)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880699 (the code used for autonomous cargo drones) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($205M, 51% of world imports), Ukraine (about $71M) and Japan ($55M). World imports came to about $406M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Autonomous cargo drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880699 for Autonomous cargo drones is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for autonomous cargo drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, autonomous cargo drones (HS 880699) is classified under NCM 8806.99.00.