HS 401031 Transmission belts or belting
Quick Answer: Transmission belts or belting imported under HS 401031 enters the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US at 3.4% under the MFN rate. This classification covers endless belts and belting made of vulcanized rubber, reinforced with textile materials or metal. This includes V-belts and timing belts used in machinery for power transmission. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific trade agreements, particularly in the US where certain countries benefit from duty-free entry. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4010310010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 4010310000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 4010310090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4010310010 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 4010310000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 4010310090 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401031 | — | — | — |
| 4010313000 | 3.4% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 4010316000 | 2.8% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 4010.31?
Imports of Transmission belts or belting may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 17 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 401031 cover?
This subheading covers transmission belts or belting made of rubber, reinforced with metal or glass fibres, or otherwise specially prepared for their intended use. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses items specifically designed for transmitting power or motion in machinery, such as V-belts, conveyor belts, and timing belts, when constructed from rubber and featuring reinforcement. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database provide further detail, specifying that these belts must be of rubber and suitable for mechanical power transmission.
What falls outside HS 401031?
The following products are excluded from HS 401031: transmission belts or belting made from materials other than rubber, such as plastics or textiles, unless they are specifically classified elsewhere under heading 4010. Also excluded are general-purpose rubber sheeting not designed for power transmission, such as protective coverings or mats, and rubber hoses, which are classified under different HS codes. For instance, a simple rubber mat for a workshop floor would not fall under this subheading, nor would a rubber hose used for fluid transfer.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 401031?
A common error is misclassifying conveyor belts made primarily of textile materials or plastics, which should be classified under their respective headings (e.g., 5910 for textile belting). Another mistake involves classifying rubber belts that are not specifically designed for power transmission, such as certain types of seals or gaskets, under this code. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 401031?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 401031 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition and intended function. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the belt is made of rubber and is specifically designed for mechanical power transmission, often reinforced with materials like metal or glass fibers. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing product specifications and technical data sheets are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 401031?
A shipment of 100 V-belts, each weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value of $500. The calculation is: 5.0% × $500 USD = $25.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTSUS code 401031.0000 for rubber transmission belts.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 401031?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 401031, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where qualifying belts from Canada and Mexico can enter duty-free. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the importing country's requirements, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 401031, 'Transmission belts or belting'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 401031 is typically 6.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may receive duty-free entry. Always consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current rates applicable to your specific country of origin. For instance, a shipment valued at $10,000 with a 6.00% MFN duty would incur $600 in duties ($10,000 * 0.06).
What specific criteria define 'Transmission belts or belting' under HS code 401031?
HS code 401031 covers endless, cased or uncased, of rubber, reinforced with metal or textile materials, for use in transmission of power. This includes V-belts and synchronous belts (timing belts) designed to transmit mechanical power from one pulley or shaft to another. Key classification elements are the material (rubber, reinforced with metal or textile) and the intended function (power transmission). Belts not specifically designed for power transmission, such as conveyor belts, would fall under different HS codes.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 401031?
Standard import documentation for HS code 401031 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and any claimed preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin may be required. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature to substantiate the classification if requested by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
How do trade agreements, such as those with Australia (AU) or South Korea (KR), affect the duty rates for HS code 401031?
Trade agreements can provide significant duty reductions or exemptions. For example, while the U.S. MFN rate is 6.00%, goods from countries like Australia (AU) or South Korea (KR) may benefit from preferential rates under their respective free trade agreements. According to the provided sample rates, 'Free (A+,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' indicates that for these listed countries, the import duty could be 0%. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements of the specific trade agreement and possess the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 401031 if the rate is not ad valorem but based on quantity?
While HS code 401031 is primarily subject to ad valorem duties (a percentage of the value), some related or alternative classifications, or specific country tariffs, might include specific duties (per unit) or a combination. If a specific duty applied, for example, $0.50 per meter, and you imported 1,000 meters of transmission belting, the duty would be calculated as: 1,000 meters * $0.50/meter = $500.00. However, for 401031 in the U.S., the standard is ad valorem. For instance, if the MFN rate of 6.00% applies to a shipment valued at $5,000, the duty would be $5,000 * 0.06 = $300.