HS 700210 Balls
Quick Answer: Glass balls imported under HS 700210 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from 3.9% ad valorem to 60% ad valorem, with numerous preferential rates available. This classification specifically covers solid or hollow glass balls, excluding those for optical instruments or for use as marbles. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major markets, particularly the higher US rates for non-preferential trade. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these variations is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7002100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7002100000 | 3.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7002101000 | 3.9% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 700210 | — | — | — |
| 7002102000 | Free | — | ["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 7002.10?
Imports of Balls 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 15 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 700210 cover?
This subheading covers glass balls, whether solid or hollow, of a kind used for bearings, whether or not finished or further worked. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes spheres of glass intended for mechanical applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to glass balls specifically designed for use in ball bearings, regardless of their surface finish or any minor processing they may have undergone.
What falls outside HS 700210?
The following products are excluded from HS 700210: glass marbles used for games, decorative glass spheres, and glass beads. Also excluded are glass balls that are not intended for bearing applications, such as hollow glass spheres used for insulation or as components in scientific instruments. For instance, glass marbles for playing games are typically classified under HS 7018.10, and decorative glass items fall under other headings within Chapter 70.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 700210?
A common error is misclassifying glass balls intended for decorative purposes or as toys under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the primary use of the glass ball is not for bearings, it should not be classified under HS 700210. For example, glass marbles for games are specifically excluded and fall under HS 7018.10.
How should importers classify products under HS 700210?
The correct procedure for classifying glass balls under HS 700210 involves verifying their intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult technical specifications and product descriptions to confirm that the glass balls are designed for bearing applications. If the product is indeed a glass ball for bearings, then HS 700210 is the appropriate code. Always refer to the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, for definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 700210?
A shipment of 10,000 precision glass balls for bearings, each weighing 0.005 kg, with a declared 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 value ($500 USD × 5.0% = $25.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 700210.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 700210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 700210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods. To claim these preferences, a valid EUR.1 movement certificate or a self-certified origin statement, as required by the importing jurisdiction, is typically necessary.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 700210 (Glass balls)?
HS code 700210 specifically covers 'Balls' of glass. The key classification criterion is that the item must be a spherical or near-spherical object made entirely of glass. This excludes glass articles that are not ball-shaped, even if they are small, or glass that is merely a component of a larger assembly. The WCO's Explanatory Notes for Chapter 70 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 700210?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 700210 can vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists a rate of 3.9% ad valorem for this classification. In contrast, the UK Trade Tariff may show a different rate, and the EU's TARIC system also maintains its own specific duty structure. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable MFN rate.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 700210, and what are common examples?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 700210. Common examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which often grant 'Free' or 0.00% duty rates under specific conditions. Importers must verify the origin of the goods and ensure compliance with the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to claim these preferential rates. Documentation such as a Certificate of Origin is typically required.
How is the ad valorem duty for HS code 700210 calculated? Provide an example.
Ad valorem duties are calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For instance, if glass balls are imported into the United States with a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate under HTS code 700210 is 3.9%, the duty amount would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 3.9% (Duty Rate) = $390.00. It is crucial to use the correct customs value, which typically includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight (CIF) to the port of importation.
What documentation is typically required for importing glass balls under HS code 700210?
Standard import documentation for HS code 700210 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. If preferential duty rates are being claimed, a Certificate of Origin or other proof of origin acceptable under the relevant trade agreement is mandatory. Depending on the end-use or specific country regulations, additional certifications regarding safety standards or material composition might be required. Customs brokers should be consulted for the most up-to-date and country-specific requirements.