On August 13, 2026, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing new import tariffs on UAS and core UAS components following a Department of Commerce investigation into domestic supply chain security.
Dates & Potential Impact
As written, the action establishes new ad valorem tariffs across completed aircraft as well as individual electronics. These tariffs will be rolled out from early September 2026 through February 2027 across broad classes of UAS by weight, capability, and country of origin.
- September 3, 2026 (Completed Systems):
- A 25% tariff takes effect on foreign-produced UAS with a maximum takeoff weight of roughly 55lbs (25 kg) or less.
- A 100% tariff will apply to foreign-produced UAS with a maximum takeoff weight of roughly 55lbs (25kg) or more.
- February 9, 2027 (Components):
- A 25% tariff will take effect on core components, including brushless motors, ESCs, flight controllers, lithium battery modules, and radio transmitters/receiver links.
Outcome for Modelers & AMA Action
While AMA understands and supports national security efforts and the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing resilience, tariffs applied to broad UAS categories inevitably affect the recreational and educational market. Members and other hobbyists are likely to face short-term price increases or reduced supply availability for essential building materials, standalone electronics, and RTF aircraft as distributors adapt.
AMA maintains that recreational model aviation flown within VLOS do not pose the security risks these policies aim to address. The AMA Government Relations team is actively engaging with federal offices and key commercial stakeholders to highlight these unintended consequences on recreational flyers and advocate for solutions that protect our community from unnecessary financial burdens.
Q & A: Practical Effects on the Hobby
Q: Will this affect traditional RC airplanes, helicopters, and other models?
A: Yes, any complete UAS under 55lbs, including completed RTF or ARF aircraft imported from foreign suppliers, will be subject to the 25% tariff starting September 3, 2026. Individual kits and unpowered airframes are not directly mentioned but will likely see price changes as suppliers adjust their inventory.
Q: How does this affect individual components for repair or builds?
A: Standalone components—such as brushless motors, ESCs, flight controllers, receiver hardware, and battery packs—fall under the 25% component tariff taking effect on February 9, 2027. This delayed deadline gives manufacturers and hobby distributors time to adjust inventory, as well as time for AMA and other stakeholders to engage Federal offices for regulatory relief; however, builders should expect higher retail prices on imported electronics in early 2027 if tariffs are enacted as written.
Q: Does this apply to products already in stock at US hobby shops?
A: No. Tariffs apply to items at the time of importation into the US. Current retailer inventory imported prior to the effective dates should not be retroactively taxed, though market demand may influence retail pricing as fresh stock arrives.
Q: Does this affect Large Model Aircraft (LMA) between 55-125lbs?
A: Yes. Foreign-produced models with a weight exceeding 55lbs (~25kg) fall into the proclamation’s heavy UAS category, which is subject to a 100% tariff starting September 3, 2026. Members considering purchasing complete, giant-scale models or heavy ARF airframes directly from overseas manufacturers will likely see significant cost increases after that time. AMA is engaging with federal officials to highlight how recreational VLOS giant-scale aircraft operating under community safety standards differ significantly from commercial heavy-lift systems.
Q: What is AMA doing to mitigate the impact on recreational flyers?
A: AMA is actively advocating on behalf of recreational fliers and is engaging with commercial stakeholders and relevant federal agencies to seek clarification and relief for our members. We are working to ensure that the interests of the recreational model aviation community are considered as these policies are implemented. While Presidential Proclamations are not open for formal public comment, subsequent implementation rules through administrative agencies may provide opportunities for AMA to advocate for our members and provide input. As our conversations with federal and commercial stakeholders evolve, we may also call upon our members to voice their concerns and suggestions.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.