Product classification
HS code for Camera drones: 8806.22
Unmanned aircraft, for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 250g but not more than 7kg.
Classification of camera drones under HS 8806.22
Camera drones are classified under HS code 8806.22, a category established to address the growing market for unmanned aircraft. This specific code is designated for aircraft that are designed for remote-controlled flight, do not carry passengers, and possess a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) exceeding 250 grams but not more than 7 kilograms. The classification logic follows the 2022 Harmonized System updates, which moved drones from various chapters into heading 8806 to provide a more uniform international standard. The primary factor for this classification is the flight capability of the device. Even if the drone is marketed primarily as a flying camera, the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) dictate that the flight apparatus takes precedence over the integrated camera equipment. The weight threshold is strictly enforced; drones weighing 250g or less fall under 8806.21, while those exceeding 7kg are moved to 8806.23. This classification ensures that customs authorities can apply appropriate aviation-related regulations and duties to these high-tech devices.
- Covers
- Consumer quadcopters with integrated 4K cameras
- Hexacopters used for aerial photography within the 250g-7kg weight range
- Fixed-wing remote-controlled aircraft used for mapping
- Semi-professional cinematography drones
- First-person view (FPV) racing drones with recording capabilities
- Also under 8806.22
- DJI Mavic 3
- Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
- Parrot Anafi Ai
- Skydio 2+
- Yuneec Typhoon H Plus
Codes often confused with 8806.22
Common mistake. Camera drones are frequently misclassified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. While small drones under 250g may sometimes qualify as toys if they lack sophisticated navigation, most camera drones are considered functional aircraft. Another common error is using HS code 8525.89 for digital cameras. While the camera is a vital component, the drone's ability to fly independently classifies the entire unit as an unmanned aircraft under Chapter 88 rather than a camera under Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880622 (the code used for camera drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880622 (the code used for camera drones) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 22% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880622, not only camera drones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 40% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $887M 19% of world exports
- 3 Poland $628M 14% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.0B 22% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$692M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Poland $488M 10% of world imports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
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 camera drones
Brazil classifies camera drones under NCM 8806.22.00: HS 8806.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about camera drones
What is the HS code for Camera drones?
The HS code for Camera drones is 880622 (Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 250g but not more than 7kg). The standard HS code for camera drones with a take-off weight between 250g and 7kg is 8806.22.
How do I classify Camera drones for customs?
Camera drones is classified under HS code 880622 — Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 250g but not more than 7kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the drone is for professional use?
No, the classification is based on the technical specifications and weight of the aircraft rather than the end-user's professional status, provided it remains within the 250g to 7kg range.
Which countries are the top exporters of camera drones (HS 880622)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880622 (the code used for camera drones) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 40% of world exports), Hong Kong ($887M) and Poland ($628M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of camera drones (HS 880622)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880622 (the code used for camera drones) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.0B, 22% of world imports), Ukraine (about $692M) and Poland ($488M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Camera drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880622 for Camera 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 camera drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, camera drones (HS 880622) is classified under NCM 8806.22.00.