HS 420330 Belts and bandoliers
Quick Answer: Belts and bandoliers imported under HS 420330 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US at 2.7% (MFN). This classification specifically covers belts and bandoliers made of leather or composition leather, intended for wear or as accessories. It's crucial for importers and customs brokers to note that while the UK and EU rates are consistent across their subheadings, the US offers a preferential duty-free rate for certain trading partners, alongside a higher general rate. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based preferential rates for the US.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4203300000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 4203300010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 4203300090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4203300000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 4203300010 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 4203300090 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4203300000 | 2.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
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 4203.30?
Imports of Belts and bandoliers 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, GSP, and 14 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 420330 cover?
This subheading covers belts and bandoliers, specifically those made of leather or composition leather, or of textile materials, or of vulcanized fibre or paperboard. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes articles designed to be worn across the body or around the waist for carrying items such as ammunition, tools, or personal effects. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the functional design and material composition of these items.
What falls outside HS 420330?
The following products are excluded from HS 420330: decorative belts not intended for carrying purposes, such as fashion belts solely for adornment, which may be classified under other headings depending on their material (e.g., heading 6117 for textile belts or heading 6406 for parts of footwear). Additionally, specialized equipment like weightlifting belts or safety harnesses, which have a distinct functional purpose beyond simple carrying, are classified elsewhere. Items made from precious metals or those incorporating significant precious stones would also fall outside this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 420330?
A common error is misclassifying decorative fashion belts as HS 420330 when they lack the primary function of carrying items. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 for the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify items that are parts of other goods, such as straps for bags, under this subheading when they should be classified with the principal good.
How should importers classify products under HS 420330?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 420330 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Chapter and Heading Notes for Chapter 42. If the item is a belt or bandolier made of leather, composition leather, textile materials, vulcanized fibre, or paperboard, and is designed for carrying, it likely falls under this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 420330?
A leather ammunition bandolier weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $5.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 4203.30.0000. The calculation is: 5% of $100 USD = $5.00. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 420330?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 420330, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, eligible belts and bandoliers originating from Canada or Mexico can be imported duty-free. For preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement meeting the requirements of the agreement must be provided. The specific origin of the goods is paramount for claiming these reduced duties.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 420330 (Belts and bandoliers)?
HS code 420330 specifically covers belts and bandoliers, typically made of leather or composition leather, intended for carrying arms and ammunition. The key classification criterion is the item's design and intended use. Items designed for fashion or general utility, even if resembling a belt, would likely fall under different headings. For example, a simple leather belt without specific provisions for carrying arms would be classified elsewhere, potentially under 4203.21 (gloves, mittens and wristlets) or 4203.29 (other gloves, mittens and wristlets) if it's a glove, or under 4203.10 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leather) if it's a general apparel accessory. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing between these categories.
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 420330, and how do preferential trade agreements affect them?
Import duty rates for HS code 420330 can vary significantly based on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance, the US applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates can be substantially lower or even free for imports from countries with which the importing country has a trade agreement. For example, under certain agreements, preferential rates might be Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment, often requiring a Certificate of Origin.
How is the import duty for HS code 420330 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 420330 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and a shipment of belts and bandoliers has a customs value of $10,000, the duty amount would be calculated as: 4.00% of $10,000 = $400. In some cases, specific duties (e.g., per unit) might apply, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always refer to the specific tariff schedule for the applicable duty calculation method.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 420330?
When importing goods under HS code 420330, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Crucially, if preferential duty rates are being claimed, a Certificate of Origin is usually mandatory to prove the goods originate from a country that is party to a relevant trade agreement. Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional declarations regarding the materials used or intended use might also be necessary to ensure compliance with specific import requirements.
Are there any specific restrictions or regulations related to the import of belts and bandoliers (HS 420330) beyond standard customs duties?
While HS code 420330 primarily deals with the tariff classification and duty assessment of belts and bandoliers, importers should be aware of potential non-tariff barriers. Depending on the importing country and the specific design or materials of the belts and bandoliers, there might be regulations related to safety standards, materials content (e.g., restrictions on certain types of leather or chemicals used in tanning), or even import licensing requirements if the items are considered sensitive or related to defense equipment. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs authority or trade portal for any specific restrictions or additional requirements beyond the standard duty rates.