Product classification

HS code for Mini 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 mini drones under HS 8806.21

Mini drones, specifically those with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 250 grams or less, are classified under HS code 8806.21. This classification follows the significant updates in the 2022 Harmonized System nomenclature, which introduced heading 8806 to provide a dedicated space for unmanned aircraft (UAVs). Previously, many small drones were classified as toys under heading 9503. However, the current rules dictate that any unmanned aircraft, regardless of its intended use (recreational or professional), must be classified under 8806 if it meets the technical definition of an aircraft. Subheading 8806.21 is determined by the weight threshold of 250g, which is a critical regulatory and customs boundary. This weight includes the aircraft, its battery, and any permanently attached cameras or sensors. The classification applies to drones designed for remote-controlled flight only, excluding those designed for carrying passengers.

Covers
  • Consumer nano-drones under 250g
  • Micro-quadcopters for photography
  • Racing drones (sub-250g category)
  • Miniature surveillance UAVs
  • Toy-grade drones with integrated cameras
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. Mini drones are often misclassified under 9503.00 as toys. While they may be marketed as toys, the 2022 HS changes prioritize heading 8806 for all UAVs. Another error is using 8806.22, which is for drones weighing between 250g and 7kg. Accurate weighing is essential for correct classification.

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 aircraft8806.22Unmanned 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 mini drones), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880621 (the code used for mini 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 mini 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 mini drones

Brazil classifies mini 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 mini drones

What is the HS code for Mini drones?

The HS code for Mini 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 unmanned aircraft with a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 250g is 8806.21.

How do I classify Mini drones for customs?

Mini 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 the weight include the remote controller?

No, the 250g limit refers to the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of the aircraft itself, including its onboard battery and payload, but not the ground-based controller.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880621 (the code used for mini 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 mini drones (HS 880621)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 880621 (the code used for mini 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 Mini drones the same in all countries?

The base HS code 880621 for Mini 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 mini drones in Brazil?

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