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HSChapter 88
Communications satellites (8802603000), military spacecraft and launch vehicles (8802609020), and non-military spacecraft and launch vehicles (8802609040) each occupy a distinct 10-digit line under this heading, reflecting the significant regulatory and national-security distinctions among these articles. Exports and re-imports of spacecraft are tightly controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), making classification accuracy critical for both outbound and inbound movements. The United Kingdom and Denmark appear among the leading US import sources, consistent with commercial satellite component and subsystem trade flows.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Many spacecraft and their components are defense articles controlled under the US Munitions List (USML), requiring State Department licensing for import and export. Even commercial communications satellites may contain ITAR-controlled subsystems, so importers must coordinate with their legal counsel and a licensed customs broker to determine whether a license or license exemption applies before filing entry.
CBP looks to the satellite's primary designed function: a communications satellite is purpose-built to relay telecommunications signals. Satellites designed primarily for earth observation, navigation, scientific research, or military surveillance would fall under the NESOI lines (8802609020 or 8802609040) rather than 8802603000, even if they carry some communications capability.
Supplier Network
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRENCH GUIANA | -- | $44.4M | +$44.4M |
| JAPAN | -- | $1.1M | +$1.1M |
| BULGARIA | -- | -- | -- |
| MEXICO | -- | -- | -- |
| CANADA | -- | -- | -- |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802609040 | NON-MLTRY SPCECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELIT) | $0 | -- |
NON-MLTRY SPCECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELIT)
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8802603000 | COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES | $44.4M |
| 8802609020 | MLTRY SPACECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELLITES) | $1.1M |
| 8802609040 | NON-MLTRY SPCECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELIT) | $0 |
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES
37 no
MLTRY SPACECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELLITES)
3 no
NON-MLTRY SPCECRFT & LAUNCH VEH (EXC COMM SATELIT)
PARTS OF PLANES OR HELICOPTERS, NESOI
HS 880730
AIRPLANE & OT A/C, UNLADEN WEIGHT > 15,000 KG
HS 880240
AIRPLANE & A/C UNLADEN WGHT > 2000, NOV 15000 KG
HS 880230
PARTS OF GOODS OF HEADING 8801, 8802 OR 8806 NESOI
HS 880790
UNDERCARRIAGES AND PARTS THEREOF
HS 880720
HELICOPTERS OF AN UNLADEN WEIGHT NOT OVER 2000 KG
HS 880211
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | -- | $44.4M | +$44.4M |
| California | -- | $1.1M | +$1.1M |
| Texas | -- | -- | -- |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLANDO, FL | -- | $44.4M | +$44.4M |
| LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | -- | $1.1M | +$1.1M |
| BUFFALO-NIAGARA FALLS, NY | -- | -- | -- |