Harmonized System
U.S. exports of Spacecraft, Suborbital & Space Launch Vehicles (HS 880260) totaled $60.2M in August 2026, exported to 5 countries.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCommunications 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.
Subheading 3 of 6 in heading 8802
Subheading 880260 · $60.2M of $333.9M
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ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$60.2MYoY · free account
Low of 8 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $13.8M of Spacecraft, Suborbital & Space Launch Vehicles and exported $313.4M.
Through August 2026 · imports 8 of 12 months reported, exports 9 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8802609040 | Non-Mltry Spcecrft & Launch Veh (Exc Comm Satelit) | — | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8802603000 | Communications Satellites | $60.2M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Exports · August 2026
destination
French Guiana and New Zealand together take 100% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.