Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers) 🇺🇸 United States
Drone accessories including spare LiPo batteries must travel in carry-on luggage only; the drone itself must be registered with the FAA if operated in the US.
Can I bring Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers) into United States?
Drone accessories including spare LiPo batteries must travel in carry-on luggage only; the drone itself must be registered with the FAA if operated in the US.
LiPo batteries: maximum 2 spare batteries between 100-160Wh; no limit below 100Wh
- FAA drone registration (for drone operation in US airspace, not import)
- Airline approval for batteries 100-160Wh
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
CBP permits drone accessories (propellers, controllers, chargers) without restriction. However, FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 91) and TSA rules require lithium polymer (LiPo) spare batteries to be carried in carry-on baggage only — not in checked luggage — regardless of watt-hour rating due to fire risk. Batteries under 100Wh are permitted without airline approval; 100-160Wh requires airline approval; over 160Wh is generally prohibited. Drones operated in US airspace must be registered with the FAA if over 250g (FAA Part 107 / 49 USC 44809).
Pack all spare drone batteries in your carry-on in individual protective bags or tape over terminals. Remove batteries from the drone before checking it. Register the drone with FAA before flying it in US airspace.
LiPo batteries: maximum 2 spare batteries between 100-160Wh; no limit below 100Wh
- FAA drone registration (for drone operation in US airspace, not import)
- Airline approval for batteries 100-160Wh
FAA 14 CFR Part 107; 49 CFR Part 175 (PHMSA/FAA hazmat); TSA Dangerous Goods policy
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.
Related rules
Binoculars
🇺🇸 United States
No specific import restrictions for personal binoculars
Binoculars and spotting scopes
🇺🇸 United States
Standard binoculars are freely allowed; night-vision and thermal imaging devices are controlled under ITAR/EAR and may require export authorisation from the country of origin.
Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers) rules in other countries
Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers)
🇦🇺 Australia
Spare LiPo drone batteries must be in carry-on baggage only; drones must be registered and flown under CASA rules in Australian airspace.
Drone accessories (batteries, propellers, controllers)
🇯🇵 Japan
Drone accessories are importable without restriction, but spare LiPo batteries must be in carry-on, and drones require MLIT registration for operation in Japan.