How does the Civil Aircraft Agreement work?

The WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft provides duty-free entry for qualifying civil aircraft, engines, parts, and components under HTS 9817.00.98. Importers must enroll in CBP's Civil Aircraft Management System (CAMS) and certify the end-use. Camtom identifies eligible products.

Are all aircraft parts duty-free?

Only parts for civil aircraft that are CAMS-certified qualify for duty-free treatment. Parts for military aircraft, general aviation without CAMS certification, or dual-use items may face standard duty rates. Camtom evaluates eligibility for each component.

How do I classify avionics equipment?

Avionics classify by function: radar under 8526, navigation instruments under 9014, flight recorders under 9031, communication equipment under 8517/8525. Camtom determines the correct heading based on the device's primary function.

Does ITAR affect HTS classification?

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) controls are separate from HTS classification but overlap. A defense article on the USML must comply with ITAR licensing requirements. Camtom flags potential ITAR-controlled items during HTS classification.

Can satellite components enter duty-free?

Some satellite components qualify under the Civil Aircraft Agreement or specific duty provisions. Others face standard HTS rates. The classification depends on whether the component is specifically designed for space use. Camtom classifies satellite and space hardware accurately.

How does the Civil Aircraft Agreement work?

The WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft provides duty-free entry for qualifying civil aircraft, engines, parts, and components under HTS 9817.00.98. Importers must enroll in CBP's Civil Aircraft Management System (CAMS) and certify the end-use. Camtom identifies eligible products.

Are all aircraft parts duty-free?

Only parts for civil aircraft that are CAMS-certified qualify for duty-free treatment. Parts for military aircraft, general aviation without CAMS certification, or dual-use items may face standard duty rates. Camtom evaluates eligibility for each component.

How do I classify avionics equipment?

Avionics classify by function: radar under 8526, navigation instruments under 9014, flight recorders under 9031, communication equipment under 8517/8525. Camtom determines the correct heading based on the device's primary function.

Does ITAR affect HTS classification?

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) controls are separate from HTS classification but overlap. A defense article on the USML must comply with ITAR licensing requirements. Camtom flags potential ITAR-controlled items during HTS classification.

Can satellite components enter duty-free?

Some satellite components qualify under the Civil Aircraft Agreement or specific duty provisions. Others face standard HTS rates. The classification depends on whether the component is specifically designed for space use. Camtom classifies satellite and space hardware accurately.

HTS Classification by industry

HTS Classification for Aerospace

Aerospace imports operate in one of the most regulation-intensive sectors: ITAR controls, EAR classification, and HTS Chapter 88 work together to govern the import of aircraft, engines, avionics, and space equipment. The good news is that most civil aircraft and parts enter duty-free under the Civil Aircraft Agreement. The challenge is proving eligibility, classifying dual-use components, and navigating defense trade restrictions. Camtom helps aerospace importers classify with confidence.

Classification challenges in your industry

Determining eligibility for duty-free treatment under the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (HTS heading 9817.00.98)

Classifying dual-use components that could be either civil or military — ITAR/EAR classification is separate but interacts with HTS

Handling the classification of aircraft parts and components that cross multiple HTS chapters (engines in 8411, avionics in 8526, structures in 7608/7616)

Navigating the Civil Aircraft Management System (CAMS) certification process required by CBP for duty-free entry

Classifying satellite components and space equipment where HTS Chapter 88 provisions are limited

Common classification mistakes

Failing to file for Civil Aircraft Agreement duty-free treatment because the importer does not know about CAMS or the HTS 9817 provision

Classifying a jet engine under 8411 (turbojets) without specifying the thrust range, which determines the exact HTS subheading and statistical suffix

Treating avionics as general electronics (Ch. 85) instead of classifying them under their specific aircraft instrument heading in Ch. 90

Not separately classifying aircraft galley equipment, seats, and interiors that have their own specific HTS codes vs. the aircraft as a whole

Missing that replacement parts for civil aircraft also qualify for duty-free treatment under the Civil Aircraft Agreement

Key HTS chapters

Chapter 88 — Aircraft, spacecraft

Chapter 84 — Turbines, engines

Chapter 85 — Avionics, electronics

Chapter 76 — Aluminum structures

Chapter 90 — Navigation instruments

Chapter 73 — Fasteners, fittings

Duty rate range

Civil aircraft and parts are duty-free under the WTO Civil Aircraft Agreement (HTS 9817.00.98). Without this, aircraft face 0-3% duty, engines 0-2.5%, and components vary by material and function. Military/defense articles are subject to different duty treatment.

Rules of origin

Under USMCA, aerospace products qualify through tariff shift rules and RVC requirements. Most major aircraft and engines qualify easily given the extensive North American aerospace supply chain. For the Civil Aircraft Agreement, origin is less relevant — the duty-free treatment applies globally. Proper CAMS enrollment and end-use documentation are required.

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Frequently asked questions