Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components Into the United States

This proclamation imposes tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS components found to threaten national security: a 100 percent ad valorem duty on UAS over 25 kilograms, UAS with thermal imagers, docking stations, and critical components, and a 25 percent duty on lighter UAS, effective September 3, 2026, plus a 25 percent duty on additional components effective February 9, 2027. Duty rates are capped at 15 percent for products of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and EU members and 10 percent for the United Kingdom, subject to importer certification. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to add components to the tariffs and shall establish an onshoring program allowing companies with approved plans to build U.S. production facilities before January 20, 2029, to import covered products duty-free during construction.

Importers of covered UAS and UAS components to Pay a 100 percent ad valorem duty on imports of UAS with a maximum take-off weight over 25 kilograms, UAS integrating thermal imagers, UAS docking stations, and critical components listed in Annex I, unless a lower rate applies (Goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 3, 2026). Importers of covered UAS to Pay a 25 percent ad valorem duty on imports of UAS with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms or less listed in Annex II, unless a lower rate applies (Goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 3, 2026). Importers of covered UAS components to Pay a 25 percent ad valorem duty on imports of UAS components listed in Annex III, unless a lower rate applies (Goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 9, 2027). Importers seeking reduced duty rates to Certify that substantially all critical components and technology are products of the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, an EU member nation, or the United Kingdom in order to qualify for the capped 15 percent or 10 percent duty rates (unclear). Companies participating in the onshoring incentive program to Commit in an approved onshoring plan to build, refurbish, or expand a U.S. facility producing UAS or UAS components, with construction occurring before January 20, 2029, and comply with monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements set by the Secretary of Commerce (Construction must occur before January 20, 2029). Companies admitting covered products into U.S. foreign trade zones to Admit covered products into U.S. foreign trade zones under privileged foreign status, except products eligible for domestic status, subjecting them upon entry for consumption to applicable ad valorem duties (On or after the effective date of the proclamation).

No known legal challenges.