Product classification
HS code for Professional drones: 8806.23
Unmanned aircraft, for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 7kg but not more than 25kg.
Classification of professional drones under HS 8806.23
Professional drones are classified under HS code 8806.23, a category established in the 2022 Harmonized System update to better differentiate unmanned aircraft by weight and function. This specific code is designated for remote-controlled unmanned aircraft that do not carry passengers and have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) exceeding 7 kilograms but not more than 25 kilograms. This weight range typically encompasses industrial-grade drones used for specialized tasks such as agricultural spraying, high-resolution topographic mapping, and detailed infrastructure inspection. The classification is strictly based on the weight and the absence of a pilot on board. Unlike general aviation aircraft, these units are defined by their autonomous or semi-autonomous flight capabilities. The 8806 heading was created to consolidate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which were previously scattered across various chapters depending on their perceived use as cameras or toys. By focusing on the MTOW, the HS system provides a clear, objective standard for customs authorities to categorize professional flight hardware.
- Covers
- Agricultural drones for crop dusting (7kg to 25kg)
- Industrial inspection drones with thermal sensors
- Professional cinematography drones with heavy payloads
- Fixed-wing UAVs for long-range mapping
- Multi-rotor drones for search and rescue operations
- Also under 8806.23
- DJI Matrice 300 RTK
- Autel EVO II Enterprise
- Skydio X2
- WingtraOne
- senseFly eBee X
- Parrot Anafi Ai (some variants)
Codes often confused with 8806.23
Common mistake. Professional drones are often misclassified under 8806.22 if their weight is slightly under 7kg, or 8806.24 if they exceed 25kg. Smaller consumer-grade drones are frequently placed in 8806.21 (under 250g). A common error is attempting to classify them as cameras under 85.25 or as toys under 95.03. However, the WCO 2022 amendments mandate that all unmanned aircraft be classified in 88.06 regardless of their secondary equipment like cameras or sensors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880623 (the code used for professional drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880623 (the code used for professional drones) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ukraine, with about 50% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880623, not only professional drones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $91M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $76M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $70M 15% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $454M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ukraine* ~$207M 50% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $29M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $26M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $413M 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 professional drones
Brazil classifies professional drones under NCM 8806.23.00: HS 8806.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about professional drones
What is the HS code for Professional drones?
The HS code for Professional drones is 880623 (Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 7kg but not more than 25kg). Professional drones with a maximum take-off weight between 7kg and 25kg are classified under HS code 8806.23.
How do I classify Professional drones for customs?
Professional drones is classified under HS code 880623 — Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 7kg but not more than 25kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are toy drones classified under this code?
No, drones designed solely for amusement and weighing less than 250 grams are generally classified as toys under 95.03 or as light UAVs under 8806.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of professional drones (HS 880623)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880623 (the code used for professional drones) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($91M, 20% of world exports), China ($76M) and the United States ($70M). World exports came to about $454M, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of professional drones (HS 880623)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880623 (the code used for professional drones) in UN Comtrade data were Ukraine (about $207M, 50% of world imports), Hong Kong ($29M) and the United Kingdom ($26M). World imports came to about $413M, 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 Professional drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880623 for Professional 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 professional drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, professional drones (HS 880623) is classified under NCM 8806.23.00.