HS code 8806.22 covers Drones / unmanned aircraft (250 g – 7 kg) — for example camera quadcopters, FPV drones. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Commercial drone operation requires SACAA licensing (RPAS regulations), and RF equipment needs ICASA type approval.
Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods
| Customs value (CIF) | R100,000 |
| Customs duty (0%) | R0 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R16,500 |
| Estimated landed cost | R116,500 |
VAT is charged on the Added Tax Value (customs value + 10% upliftment for non-SACU imports + duties). Figures exclude clearing, freight and any anti-dumping/safeguard duty. For an exact, all-in figure use the Duty & VAT Calculator.
Where HS 8806.22 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8806 is “Unmanned aircraft”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8806.10 Unmanned aircraft; for carriage of passengers
- 8806.21 Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of not more than 250g
- 8806.22 Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 250g but not more than 7kg — this page
- 8806.23 Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 7kg but not more than 25kg
- 8806.24 Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 25kg but not more than 150kg
- 8806.29 Unmanned aircraft; for remote-controlled flight only, for other than for carriage of passengers, with the maximum take-off weight of more than 150kg
- 8806.91 Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight not more than 250g
- 8806.92 Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 250g but not more than 7kg
- 8806.93 Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 7kg but not more than 25kg
- 8806.94 Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 25kg but not more than 150kg
- 8806.99 Unmanned aircraft; for other than remote-controlled flight and other than for carriage of passengers with a maximum take-off weight more than 150kg
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 88 →
Watch HS 8806.22 for changes
Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.
Data current as of 2026-08-06. Indicative general (MFN) rate — real duty can differ at 8-digit level, under trade agreements (SADC, EU-EPA) and by Government Gazette. This is guidance, not a tariff determination under s47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. Verify against the current SARS Tariff Book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on drones / unmanned aircraft (250 g – 7 kg) in South Africa?
HS code 8806.22 (Drones / unmanned aircraft (250 g – 7 kg)) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 0% in South Africa, plus 15% import VAT charged on the Added Tax Value. Verify the exact rate in the current SARS Tariff Book.
What is the HS code for camera quadcopters?
The Harmonised System heading for drones / unmanned aircraft (250 g – 7 kg) is 8806.22. South Africa uses an 8-digit tariff line based on this heading — confirm the precise 8-digit code in the SARS Tariff Book before importing.