Up to 100 per cent of U.S. customs duties on imported drones and spare parts

On 14 August, the White House of the United States issued a statement stating that United States President Trump had signed an announcement to impose a 10 to 100 per cent ad valorem tariff on the importation of drones and spare parts in response to national security threats. The bulletin provides for a 100 per cent ad valorem tariff on drones of a specific size or function with a high degree of sensitivity, as well as for such drone terminals and certain key components. This category includes drones with a maximum take-off mass of more than 25 kg and drones with thermal imaging capability. In addition, an ad valorem tariff of 25 per cent is imposed on certain UAVs and other UAV components that are smaller in size and do not have specific functions. It also provides for a 15 per cent ad valorem tariff on drones and components from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, Korea and Switzerland. In addition, a 10 per cent ad valorem tariff is imposed on drones from the United Kingdom, provided that their hardware, software and technology are largely derived from the above-mentioned countries and territories, as well as from the United States. The provision states that the above-mentioned tariffs will take effect 21 days after the date of signature. For non-highly sensitive UAV components, customs duties will take effect 180 days after the date of signature. (In Russian)