AUVSI Statement on Section 232 Tariffs on Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Components

August 14, 2026

AUVSI expresses support for the presidential proclamation issued August 13, 2026, imposing Section 232 tariffs on uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS components, the outcome of the Department of Commerce’s investigation into national security risks of imported UAS and their components. AUVSI supported the investigation’s launch in July 2025 and has continued to advocate for swift, decisive action throughout the review process. 

The proclamation establishes a tiered tariff structure on foreign imported drones: 100% on UAS over 25kg MTOW and any UAS with thermal imaging capability, 25% on UAS at or under 25kg without thermal imaging, and a separate 25% on listed parts and components not otherwise captured. The first two tiers take effect September 3, 2026, with a delayed effective date of February 9, 2027 for companies on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, the Blue UAS Framework, or the FCC’s Conditional Approval List. The parts and components tier takes effect February 9, 2027, for all importers. The proclamation also preserves lower rates for key allies including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the EU, and the UK, recognizing the role trusted allies play in a secure, resilient supply chain. 

“For years, adversary-manufactured drones, subsidized and dumped into the U.S. market below fair value, have undercut American manufacturers and left public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and federal agencies dependent on platforms that pose real security risks,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. “This proclamation is another step to correct that imbalance. As implementation moves forward, AUVSI will keep pressing for additional approaches that strengthen the U.S. industrial base while maintaining strong collaboration with trusted allied partners and avoiding unintended impacts on allied innovation and supply chains.” 

This tariff action comes alongside a broader set of federal efforts to reduce reliance on adversary-made drones and strengthen the domestic industrial base. These include: 

• Executive Order 14307, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” which outlined a whole-of-government strategy to reduce reliance on adversary-made drones and strengthen the American drone industry 
• Executive Order 14305, “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” which directed a federal review of domestic airspace security and counter-UAS frameworks
• The FCC’s Covered List designation of Chinese drone manufacturers DJI and Autel under Section 1709 of the FY25 NDAA, which blocks new PRC-origin drones and components from entering the U.S. market, alongside a broader FCC review of foreign-made UAS and critical components
• Onshoring pathways under the proclamation allowing duty-free import of covered products and production equipment for companies building qualifying new U.S. facilities 

“Right now, success depends on execution,” Robbins said. “Commerce needs to move quickly on two fronts: clarifying how the onshoring pathways will work for companies already building U.S. production capacity and issuing clear classification and country-of-origin certification guidance so industry can comply with confidence as soon as possible. AUVSI has worked closely with the Department of War to build trusted certification pathways like Green UAS, and we’re ready to bring the same experience to help Commerce stand up a certification path here that is clear, credible, and workable for the industry. ” 

AUVSI remains actively engaged with the Department of Commerce as implementation guidance is issued and encourages members with questions about how the tariffs affect specific product lines to reach out to AUVSI’s advocacy team.