U.S. BIS eases export controls on certain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) today released a final rule that eases export controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for certain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), related software and technology, and certain UAV parts and components. The rule is effective August 13, 2026.

Key changes

UAVs (ECCN 9A012)

• Removes wind gust tolerance as a control parameter for UAVs.
• Increases the endurance threshold for national security controls to three hours.
  • UAVs with a maximum endurance of less than three hours generally are no longer subject to national security controls and instead are controlled for anti-terrorism reasons only, unless other control criteria apply (e.g., incorporation of certain controlled thermal imaging, laser, or inertial navigation equipment).
  • UAVs with an endurance of three hours or greater remain subject to national security and anti-terrorism controls, and missile technology controls when the UAV is capable of a range of at least 300 km or otherwise meets missile technology (MT) control parameters.

Software and technology

• Removes national security controls for certain software and technology related to UAVs with an endurance of less than three hours.
• Revises ECCNs 9D001, 9D002, 9D004, and 9E001 accordingly.
• Anti-terrorism controls remain applicable, and missile technology controls continue to apply where relevant.

Military end-use and end-user controls

• Adds ECCNs 9A012, 9D001, 9D002, 9D004, and 9E001 to the list of items subject to military end-use and end-user license requirements under section 744.21 of the EAR.

Military UAV classifications

• Revises ECCN 9A610 to clarify controls for certain UAVs and remotely piloted vehicles that are “specially designed” for military use but are not described on the U.S. Munitions List (USML).
• Creates new ECCN 9A610.y.33 for certain lower-sensitivity UAV parts, components, accessories, and attachments, including controllers, cables, adapters, chargers, docks, mounts, and propellers.

License Exception STA

• Expands eligibility for License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) for certain MT-controlled UAVs classified under ECCNs 9A012, 9A120, and 9A610 when exported to Country Group A:5 destinations. This is subject to specified payload limits (less than 500 kg) and range limits (less than 300 km). Additionally, UAVs classified under ECCN 9A610.a must be formally approved for STA eligibility.