Product classification

HS code for Micro drones: 8806.21

Unmanned aircraft, for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of not more than 250g.

Classification of micro drones under HS 8806.21

The classification of micro drones under HS code 8806.21 is a result of the 2022 amendments to the Harmonized System by the World Customs Organization. This code is specifically designed for unmanned aircraft that are operated by remote control and have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 250 grams or less. The classification logic follows the principle that the primary function of the device is flight, regardless of whether it carries a camera or other sensors. By placing these devices in Chapter 88 (Aircraft), the system acknowledges their status as aviation equipment rather than toys or electronic appliances. The 250g threshold is a critical regulatory marker, as many national aviation bodies use this weight to distinguish between consumer-grade drones and those requiring formal registration. For customs purposes, 8806.21 ensures that micro drones are treated consistently across international borders, facilitating trade while allowing for specific monitoring of unmanned aerial technology. This code excludes drones designed for the carriage of passengers, which are classified under different subheadings of 8806 based on their weight.

Covers
  • Remote-controlled quadcopters under 250g
  • FPV racing drones (micro category)
  • Miniature photography drones
  • Educational drone kits with flight capability
  • Nano-drones for indoor use
Also under 8806.21
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro (under 250g in some configurations)
  • Holy Stone HS110D
  • Ryze Tello
  • Eachine E010
  • BetaFPV Cetus X (micro FPV)

Codes often confused with 8806.21

Common mistake. Micro drones are often incorrectly classified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. While many small drones are used for recreation, the HS 2022 notes specify that any unmanned aircraft with significant flight capabilities should be classified under 8806. Another confusion arises with HS code 8525.89, which covers digital cameras. Since most drones have cameras, importers sometimes try to classify them as such. However, the "essential character" of the product is the aircraft itself, not the camera attachment. Additionally, drones exceeding 250g must move to 8806.22.

9503.00Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds88.06Unmanned aircraft8525.89Television cameras; n.e.c. in item no 8525.88806.22Unmanned 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

Top exporters and importers of HS 880621 (the code used for micro drones), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880621 (the code used for micro drones) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 31% 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 880621, not only micro drones.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $851M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $590M
  3. 3 Netherlands $185M

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: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $520M
  2. 2 Netherlands $231M
  3. 3 Germany $124M

World total: $1.7B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 micro drones

Brazil classifies micro drones under NCM 8806.21.00: HS 8806.21 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about micro drones

What is the HS code for Micro drones?

The HS code for Micro drones is 880621 (Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of not more than 250g). The HS code for micro drones with a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 250g is 8806.21.

How do I classify Micro drones for customs?

Micro drones is classified under HS code 880621 — Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of not more than 250g. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the remote controller?

Yes, if the remote controller is imported in a set with the drone, it is typically classified together under 8806.21.

Which countries are the top exporters of micro drones (HS 880621)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880621 (the code used for micro drones) in UN Comtrade data were China ($851M, 44% of world exports), Hong Kong ($590M) and the Netherlands ($185M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 micro drones (HS 880621)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 880621 (the code used for micro drones) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($520M, 31% of world imports), the Netherlands ($231M) and Germany ($124M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Micro drones the same in all countries?

The base HS code 880621 for Micro 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 micro drones in Brazil?

In Brazil, micro drones (HS 880621) is classified under NCM 8806.21.00.