COMMERCE DEPARTMENT EASES DRONE EXPORT CONTROLS
September 18, 2026
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The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has eased export controls on certain commercial drones and related technology. The new rule became effective August 13, 2026, and eliminates the wind gust tolerance test as a control parameter, raises the national security threshold for drone endurance from one (1) hour to three (3) hours, and removes national security controls on software and technology for drones with less than three (3) hours of endurance. This change, stemming from a 2025 executive order to boost American drone exports, aims to reduce burdens on the U.S. drone industry and maintain global competitiveness. BIS estimates that the changes will reduce the number of export-license applications by approximately 30 annually. However, the new rule also imposes stricter controls on drones designed for military use, now requiring export licenses for these systems because of their increasing role in military operations.
The rule change should make it easier for U.S. manufacturers to sell drones internationally and provide customers with software, software updates and related technical support without having to obtain an export license in circumstances where a license previously may have been required. Practically, for an American drone manufacturer, the rule is generally favorable because it makes the international sale of ordinary commercial drones—particularly systems with less than three hours’ endurance—substantially easier.
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