BIS Issues Final Rule Easing Drone Export Controls, Alongside President’s New Tariffs On Drone Imports

On August 13, 2026, the U.S. government took two actions aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of its domestic drone industry. First, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule, effective immediately, that eases export control restrictions on many commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), related parts and components, and associated software and technology. Second, President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation implementing Section 232 tariffs on certain drones and critical components. Taken together, these measures are designed to support the growth of the domestic drone sector by easing exports of lower-risk commercial UAVs, promoting U.S.-based manufacturing and sourcing by restricting imports, and maintaining controls on advanced technologies that raise national security concerns if transferred to certain foreign actors.