New US-Tariffs on Drones – Proof of Supply Chain Origin

Switzerland has a remarkably strong drone industry relative to its size. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs speaks of a Swiss «Drone Valley» with more than 80 start-ups and 6'500 full-time jobs. Key drivers are in particular ETH Zurich and EPFL, as well as Switzerland's strength in robotics, sensor technology and autonomous systems. The US has massively tightened tariffs on drone imports: 25-100% depending on weight and capabilities, with a privileged rate of 15% for Switzerland – but only if substantially all hardware, software and technology originates from Switzerland, the EU or other listed partner states. This brief overview summarizes what Swiss drone manufacturers should now bear in mind and implement quickly.