Product classification

HS code for Small autonomous UAVs: 8806.91

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

Classification of small autonomous UAVs under HS 8806.91

Small autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 250 grams or less are classified under HS code 8806.91. This classification was introduced in the 2022 HS update to provide specific visibility for drones, which were previously scattered across various headings. Heading 8806 distinguishes between UAVs designed for the carriage of passengers and those that are not. For non-passenger UAVs, the system further differentiates between \"remote-controlled\" flight and \"other\" (autonomous) flight. Subheading 8806.91 is specifically for autonomous drones in the lightest weight category. To be classified here, the aircraft must be capable of controlled flight without real-time human intervention for at least part of its mission, and its total weight including fuel, batteries, and payload must not exceed 250g.

Covers
  • Autonomous micro-drones (<= 250g)
  • Small AI-driven surveillance UAVs
  • Programmable research drones under 250g
  • Autonomous delivery drones (micro-scale)
Also under 8806.91
  • DJI Mini 3 Pro (under 250g)
  • Ryze Tello
  • Holy Stone HS110D (some variants)
  • Eachine E010
  • BetaFPV Cetus X (some configurations)

Codes often confused with 8806.91

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 8806.21, which is for remote-controlled drones of the same weight. The distinction lies in the level of autonomy; if the drone is primarily piloted via a radio controller, it belongs in 8806.21. Another common error is HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. While many small drones look like toys, the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 95 state that if a drone has sophisticated autonomous capabilities or high-grade sensors, it is excluded from toys and must be classified in 8806.

8806.21Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of not more than 250g9503.00Tricycles, 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 aircraft

Top exporters and importers of HS 880691 (the code used for small autonomous UAVs), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880691 (the code used for small autonomous UAVs) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 75% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ukraine, with about 44% 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 880691, not only small autonomous UAVs.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $55M
  2. 2 Germany $7.8M
  3. 3 Spain $7.4M

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: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Ukraine* ~$7.4M
  2. 2 Germany $3.7M
  3. 3 Canada $777K

World total: $17M 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 small autonomous UAVs

Brazil classifies small autonomous UAVs under NCM 8806.91.00: HS 8806.91 with 00 added.

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

Questions about small autonomous UAVs

What is the HS code for Small autonomous UAVs?

The HS code for Small autonomous UAVs is 880691 (Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight not more than 250g). The HS code for autonomous UAVs with a maximum take-off weight of 250g or less is 8806.91.

How do I classify Small autonomous UAVs for customs?

Small autonomous UAVs is classified under HS code 880691 — Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight not more than 250g. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include drones with cameras?

Yes, the presence of a camera does not change the classification from 8806.91, as the primary function is the flight capability of the aircraft.

Which countries are the top exporters of small autonomous UAVs (HS 880691)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880691 (the code used for small autonomous UAVs) in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 75% of world exports), Germany ($7.8M) and Spain ($7.4M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 small autonomous UAVs (HS 880691)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 880691 (the code used for small autonomous UAVs) in UN Comtrade data were Ukraine (about $7.4M, 44% of world imports), Germany ($3.7M) and Canada ($777K). World imports came to about $17M, 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 Small autonomous UAVs the same in all countries?

The base HS code 880691 for Small autonomous UAVs 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 small autonomous UAVs in Brazil?

In Brazil, small autonomous UAVs (HS 880691) is classified under NCM 8806.91.00.