Product classification
HS code for Hobby 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 hobby drones under HS 8806.22
Hobby drones with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) exceeding 250 grams but not exceeding 7 kilograms are classified under HS code 8806.22. This classification is part of Chapter 88, which covers aircraft and spacecraft. The 2022 Harmonized System update introduced heading 8806 specifically to address the growing market for unmanned aircraft (UAVs), which were previously classified under various headings such as toys or cameras. The classification is determined by the drone's primary function as an aircraft and its specific weight threshold. Under General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these drones are designed for remote-controlled flight and do not have the capacity to carry passengers, they fall under the subheadings for 'other' unmanned aircraft. The weight range of 250g to 7kg is a critical technical parameter that distinguishes these mid-sized consumer and semi-professional drones from smaller 'toy' drones or larger industrial UAVs. Even if the drone is equipped with a high-resolution camera, the flight capability is considered the essential character of the device, keeping it within Chapter 88 rather than Chapter 85.
- Covers
- Remote-controlled quadcopters for photography
- Semi-professional FPV (First Person View) racing drones
- Fixed-wing hobbyist unmanned aircraft
- Hexacopters used for recreational filming
- Drones with integrated GPS and stabilization systems weighing 2kg
- 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. Hobby drones are frequently misclassified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. However, if a drone has a weight exceeding 250g or possesses advanced navigation and flight features, it is generally excluded from the toy category. Another common error is using HS code 8806.21, which is reserved for drones weighing less than 250g, or HS code 8806.23, which is for drones weighing between 7kg and 25kg. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8525.89 for digital cameras, but the aircraft's propulsion and flight control systems take precedence in classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880622 (the code used for hobby drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880622 (the code used for hobby 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 hobby 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 hobby drones
Brazil classifies hobby 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 hobby drones
What is the HS code for Hobby drones?
The HS code for Hobby 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).
How do I classify Hobby drones for customs?
Hobby 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.
What is the HS code for a drone with a camera?
A drone with a camera is classified under HS code 8806.22 if its take-off weight is between 250g and 7kg. The camera is considered a secondary feature to the aircraft's flight function.
Does the 250g limit include the battery?
Yes, the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) includes the weight of the drone, the battery, and any permanently attached accessories or payloads.
Which countries are the top exporters of hobby drones (HS 880622)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880622 (the code used for hobby 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 hobby drones (HS 880622)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880622 (the code used for hobby 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 Hobby drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880622 for Hobby 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 hobby drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, hobby drones (HS 880622) is classified under NCM 8806.22.00.