CBP details drone tariff rates, partner conditions and onshoring exemptions

Reporting and findings

1. documented

   Qualifying approved onshoring plans receive zero additional Section 232 duty; use of the Commerce-program heading awaits further guidance. These drone duties apply in addition to preferential free-trade-agreement rates.

   • U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CSMS 69738151: Section 232 Duties on Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ComponentsHeadings 9903.08.25 and 9903.08.26; Trade Agreements section
2. reported

   Before the tariff announcement, Unusual Machines identified Donald Trump Jr. as an investor and advisory-board appointee in November 2024. AP reported in March 2026 that Powerus planned a merger with a company partly owned by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

   • Unusual Machines / SEC: Donald Trump Jr. Joins Unusual Machines as an AdvisorNovember 27, 2024 announcement, opening paragraph
   • Associated Press: New drone maker partly owned by Trump sons hopes to win Pentagon contractsMarch 11, 2026 report, planned reverse merger and ownership
3. documented

   The guidance lists a 10% UK rate and a 15% combined rate for Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and EU products, but instructs importers not to use those headings until further guidance. Israel is not among these named partner origins.

   • U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CSMS 69738151: Section 232 Duties on Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ComponentsHeadings 9903.08.23 and 9903.08.24, including reporting restrictions
4. documented

   CBP's September 2 guidance implements September 3 duties of 100% for specified larger drones, thermal-imaging drones, docking stations and critical components, and 25% for listed drones without thermal imaging.

   • U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CSMS 69738151: Section 232 Duties on Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ComponentsHeadings 9903.08.21 and 9903.08.22