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ARTICLE · 28 JANUARY 2026

BIS Updates Export Controls For Certain UAVs

Cassidy Levy Kent LLP
Cassidy Levy Kent LLP
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Cassidy Levy Kent LLP

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The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security published on January 21 an interim final rule (IFR) revising the export controls that apply to certain civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

United StatesInternational Law

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security published on January 21 an  interim final rule (IFR) revising the export controls that apply to certain civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Issued to further the objectives of  Executive Order 14307, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” the IFR makes two significant changes to the licensing requirements in the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for certain UAVs. These changes are designed to align with the reality of the commercial UAV market and help facilitate the export of U.S.-manufactured UAVs.

First, UAVs that are classified under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 9A012.a.1 are now subject to National Security Column 2 (NS2) controls instead of NS1 controls. As a result, commercial UAVs that have a maximum endurance of less than one hour and are designed to take off and have stable controlled flight in wind gusts equal to or exceeding 46.3 km/h will no longer require a

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