The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has grown exponentially over recent years. They are utilized for videography, agriculture, mapping, and many other commercial and hobbyist purposes. However, when importing drones into the Republic of Armenia, many face serious issues at the border because these devices are classified as dual-use goods and require special state oversight. To prevent your imported drone from being blocked at customs, it is crucial to understand the procedure and the steps required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Armenia.
Why Drone Imports are Strictly Regulated
According to international and local legislation, goods that can be used for both civilian and military or defense purposes are considered dual-use goods. Drones, high-powered optical cameras, thermal imagers, and certain communication devices are under strict state control. This means that regardless of whether a drone is imported by a large company (B2B) or an individual for personal use, an appropriate license or permission will be required at the border.
Steps to Obtain Ministry of Defense Permission
To complete the import process successfully, the following steps must be taken:
- Gathering Product Technical Data. Obtain the complete technical data sheet of the drone, clearly stating the model, weight, maximum flight range and altitude, camera power, frequencies, and control system details.
- Submitting the Application. An application is submitted to the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia (depending on the specific HS code) for a dual-use goods import permit. As part of the process, a request is forwarded to the expert committee of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia.
- Expertise and Conclusion. MoD specialists review the device's parameters. If the drone does not exceed civilian usage thresholds, an import compliance permit is issued (or a conclusion stating it is not a controlled military item).
Nuances of Importing Hobbyist (Small) Drones
Very often, citizens order small drones (such as the DJI Mini series weighing 249 grams) for tourism purposes or from online stores like Amazon or AliExpress. Even in these cases, customs authorities may require an MoD expert opinion. If the device is halted at the border, the importer must apply for an evaluation, and only after that will its clearance and release be permitted.
How to Avoid Cargo Confiscation or Prolonged Delays
The biggest mistake is importing a drone without preliminary documentary preparation. If the item arrives at customs and you lack the necessary permits, cargo storage limits may expire, and application reviews can take several weeks. It is highly recommended to start the permit process well before the cargo arrives in Armenia.
If you plan to import drones (UAVs) or other complex technical equipment, contact our company. Experienced customs brokers through the Brokers.am platform will provide you with a comprehensive consultation, help you correctly classify products by HS codes, organize permissions from the Ministry of Defense and other agencies, and carry out the rapid and safe customs clearance of your cargo.
