Product classification
HS code for Survey drones: 8806.92
Unmanned aircraft, for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 250g but not more than 7kg.
Classification of survey drones under HS 8806.92
Survey drones are classified under HS code 8806.92. This code is part of the 2022 HS nomenclature updates which created specific headings for unmanned aircraft (UAVs). Heading 8806 distinguishes drones from manned aircraft, and subheading 8806.92 specifically covers drones with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of more than 250 grams but not more than 7 kilograms. Survey drones are typically professional-grade tools equipped with specialized sensors or cameras for mapping, photogrammetry, or industrial inspection. The classification is based primarily on the aircraft's take-off weight and its functional design as an unmanned vehicle. Even if the drone is imported with high-value surveying equipment integrated, the primary character of the commodity remains the unmanned aircraft itself.
- Covers
- Fixed-wing mapping drones
- Multi-rotor photogrammetry UAVs
- LiDAR-equipped survey drones
- Agricultural monitoring drones (under 7kg)
- Industrial inspection drones
- Also under 8806.92
- DJI Mavic 3
- Autel Evo Lite+
- Parrot Anafi Ai
- Skydio 2+
- Yuneec H520E
Codes often confused with 8806.92
Common mistake. Prior to the 2022 updates, survey drones were often misclassified under 8525.89 as digital cameras or 9015.80 as surveying instruments. While the drone carries these tools, the WCO now mandates classification under 8806. Another common mistake is using 9503.00, which is reserved for toys. Survey drones are distinguished from toys by their sophisticated flight controllers, GPS accuracy, payload capacity, and price point. Furthermore, if the drone exceeds 7kg, it must be moved to 8806.93 or 8806.94, making weight verification critical for correct entry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880692 (the code used for survey drones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880692 (the code used for survey drones) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 880692, not only survey drones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$26M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Poland $23M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $20M 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: $131M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $40M 31% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$28M 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $14M 11% of world imports
World total: $128M 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 survey drones
Brazil classifies survey drones under NCM 8806.92.00: HS 8806.92 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about survey drones
What is the HS code for Survey drones?
The HS code for Survey drones is 880692 (Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 250g but not more than 7kg). The HS code for survey drones weighing between 250g and 7kg is 8806.92.
How do I classify Survey drones for customs?
Survey drones is classified under HS code 880692 — Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 250g but not more than 7kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the drone has a LiDAR sensor?
Generally, no; the drone is classified under 8806 based on its weight, even if it carries a LiDAR sensor as a payload.
Which countries are the top exporters of survey drones (HS 880692)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880692 (the code used for survey drones) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $26M, 20% of world exports), Poland ($23M) and the United States ($20M). World exports came to about $131M, 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 survey drones (HS 880692)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880692 (the code used for survey drones) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($40M, 31% of world imports), Ukraine (about $28M) and Germany ($14M). World imports came to about $128M, 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 Survey drones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880692 for Survey 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 survey drones in Brazil?
In Brazil, survey drones (HS 880692) is classified under NCM 8806.92.00.