TARIFF TRACKER
Commerce opens Section 232 investigation on robotics and industrial machinery imports
Commerce is investigating whether imports of robotics and industrial machinery affect national security. Comments are due by October 17, 2025.
Updated October 12, 2026
STATUS
Proposed
·
Section 232
COUNTRIES
All countries
PRODUCT FAMILIES
Industrial machinery
COVERED GOODS
Imports of robotics and industrial machinery, including robots, programmable computer-controlled mechanical systems, CNC machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, industrial stamping and pressing machines, automatic tool changers, jigs and fixtures, machine tools, specialty metalworking equipment, autoclaves and industrial ovens, metal finishing and treatment equipment, EDM machinery, and laser and water-cutting tools and machinery. Unmanned aircraft systems are excluded.
EXCLUSIONS
Unmanned aircraft systems are not included because they are covered by a different Section 232 investigation.
WHAT TO DO (OUR GUIDANCE, NOT LEGAL ADVICE)
Check whether any imported robotics, machine tools, metalworking equipment, or related parts and components in your supply chain fit the described scope. If affected, consider submitting comments, data, or analyses to BIS by October 17, 2025.
SOURCES
Bureau of Industry and Security notice, 90 FR 46382 (September 26, 2025)
QUOTES FROM THE SOURCE
Signed: "On September 2, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation under Section 232 (19 U.S.C. 1862)" (source)
Covered goods: "For the purpose of this investigation "robotics and industrial machinery" includes, among other things, robots and programmable, computer-controlled mechanical systems." (source)
Covered goods: "This equipment spans CNC machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines." (source)
Exclusions: "The scope of this investigation does not include unmanned aircraft systems, which are covered by a different section 232 investigation (see 90 FR 31958)." (source)
Countries: "to determine the effects on national security of imports of robotics and industrial machinery, and their parts and components." (source)
Awaiting check
Quotes matched to source text by machine; awaiting human check.
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