Product classification
HS code for Passenger drones: 8806.10
Unmanned aircraft, for carriage of passengers.
Classification of passenger drones under HS 8806.10
Passenger drones, technically referred to as unmanned aircraft designed for the carriage of passengers, are classified under HS code 8806.10. This code was introduced in the 2022 version of the Harmonized System to address the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) technologies. Heading 8806 specifically covers unmanned aircraft, which are defined as aircraft other than those of heading 8802 that can fly without a pilot on board. The subheading 8806.10 is unique because it prioritizes the function of carrying people, regardless of the maximum take-off weight. This classification is a departure from previous years where drones were often classified as 'other' aircraft or even toys. The aircraft must be designed to be operated remotely or autonomously to fall under this heading. If the aircraft is designed to be piloted from within the cockpit, it would instead fall under heading 8802. The inclusion in 8806.10 signifies that the vehicle is intended for transport services, such as air taxis or emergency medical evacuation, rather than just recreational or industrial sensor use.
- Covers
- Autonomous aerial taxis
- Unmanned eVTOL passenger vehicles
- Remote-controlled passenger drones
- Unmanned emergency transport aircraft for persons
- Also under 8806.10
- EHang 216
- Volocopter 2X
- Joby Aviation S4 (future autonomous variant)
- Wisk Aero Cora
- Lilium Jet (future autonomous variant)
Codes often confused with 8806.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 8802, which is reserved for manned aircraft. If a drone has a cockpit for a pilot, it is 8802; if it is pilotless, it is 8806. Another error is using subheadings 8806.21 through 8806.99, which are based on weight (e.g., less than 250g, up to 25kg, etc.). These subheadings are only for drones *not* designed for carrying passengers. Even a very light passenger-capable drone (if such a thing existed) would still be 8806.10 because the passenger function takes precedence over weight-based subheadings. Finally, smaller drones used for photography are often confused with this code but belong in the weight-based categories of 8806.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880610 (the code used for passenger drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880610 (the code used for passenger drones) in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 97% 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. Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880610, not only passenger drones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ireland $10.0M 44% of world exports
- 2 Germany $6.2M 28% of world exports
- 3 France $3.7M 16% 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: $23M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ireland $441M 97% of world imports
- 2 Spain $3.9M 0.9% of world imports
- 3 Luxembourg $3.8M 0.8% of world imports
Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $454M 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 passenger drones
Brazil classifies passenger drones under NCM 8806.10.00: HS 8806.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about passenger drones
What is the HS code for Passenger drones?
The HS code for Passenger drones is 880610 (Unmanned aircraft; for carriage of passengers). The specific HS code for unmanned aircraft designed to carry passengers is 8806.10.
How do I classify Passenger drones for customs?
Passenger drones is classified under HS code 880610 — Unmanned aircraft; for carriage of passengers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are passenger drones classified as helicopters?
While they may have vertical lift capabilities like helicopters, if they are unmanned, they are classified under 8806.10. Manned helicopters are classified under heading 8802.
Which countries are the top exporters of passenger drones (HS 880610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880610 (the code used for passenger drones) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($10.0M, 44% of world exports), Germany ($6.2M) and France ($3.7M). World exports came to about $23M, 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 passenger drones (HS 880610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880610 (the code used for passenger drones) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($441M, 97% of world imports), Spain ($3.9M) and Luxembourg ($3.8M). World imports came to about $454M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Passenger drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880610 for Passenger 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 passenger drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, passenger drones (HS 880610) is classified under NCM 8806.10.00.