HS 821510 Sets of assorted articles containing at least one article plated with precious metal
Quick Answer: Sets of assorted articles containing at least one article plated with precious metal enter the UK at rates up to 8.00%, the EU at rates up to 8.50%, and the US at the rate applicable to the article within the set subject to the highest duty. This HS code specifically covers collections of items, such as cutlery or serving utensils, where at least one component is adorned with precious metal plating. Importers should carefully examine the composition of each set to determine the highest applicable duty rate in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to aid in compliance. Exporters should ensure accurate declarations regarding the precious metal content and the individual values of articles within the set.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8215100000 | — | — | — |
| 8215103000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 8215108000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 8215102000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8215102000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
| 8215108000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
| 8215100000 | — | — | — |
| 8215103000 | 8.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8215100000 | The rate of duty applicable to that article in the set subject to the highest rate of duty | Free (16 programs) | ["pcs"] |
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 8215.10?
Imports of Sets of assorted articles containing at least one article plated with precious metal 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 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 821510 cover?
This subheading covers sets of assorted articles that include at least one item plated with precious metal, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, these sets typically consist of cutlery, kitchenware, or other household articles where the precious metal plating is a defining characteristic of one or more components within the assortment. The presence of any article with precious metal plating triggers classification under this code, irrespective of the other items in the set.
What falls outside HS 821510?
The following products are excluded from HS 821510: sets where no article is plated with precious metal, even if they contain similar types of articles; individual articles plated with precious metal that are not part of an assorted set; and sets where the precious metal plating is on an item not typically associated with cutlery, kitchenware, or household articles, such as purely decorative items not intended for use. For instance, a set of plain stainless steel cutlery without any precious metal plating would be classified elsewhere, likely under 8215.90.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 821510?
A common error is misinterpreting "plated with precious metal." This requires careful examination to distinguish from base metal articles with other finishes or coatings. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 for the Harmonized System mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly classify a set if only a minor component has precious metal plating, or conversely, if they fail to recognize precious metal plating on an item within an otherwise non-precious metal set.
How should importers classify products under HS 821510?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 821510 involves a two-step process. First, determine if the product is a "set of assorted articles" as per Heading 8215. Second, verify if at least one article within that set is "plated with precious metal." Importers and customs brokers must meticulously examine each component of the set and consult official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for definitive guidance and definitions of precious metal plating.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 821510?
A set of six sterling silver-plated dessert forks weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared customs value ($200 USD × 5.0% = $10.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HTS code 8215.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 821510?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 821510, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A may be required, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction.
```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 821510?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 821510, 'Sets of assorted articles containing at least one article plated with precious metal,' can vary. For example, the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTC) lists a rate of 8.50% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the latest USITC HTS or relevant national tariff schedule for the precise rate applicable at the time of import, as these can change. The rate for sets is generally determined by the component with the highest duty rate.
How is the duty calculated for a set classified under HS 821510?
For sets classified under HS 821510, the duty is typically calculated based on the value of the article within the set that carries the highest individual duty rate. For instance, if a set includes spoons (valued at $50, duty rate 4.00%) and a serving fork plated with gold (valued at $100, duty rate 8.50%), the duty for the entire set would be calculated on the $100 value at 8.50%. Calculation: $100 (value of highest duty item) * 8.50% (highest duty rate) = $8.50 in duty.
What documentation is required for importing articles classified under HS 821510?
When importing goods under HS 821510, importers and customs brokers must ensure accurate documentation. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the contents of the set, their value, and country of origin. A packing list is also essential. Crucially, documentation must clearly identify which article(s) within the set are plated with precious metal to justify the classification. Certificates of origin may be required for preferential duty claims under trade agreements. For precious metal content, specific declarations or assay reports might be requested by customs authorities.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 821510?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 821510. For example, under the U.S. tariff schedule, countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Canada (CA - USMCA), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may offer duty-free or reduced duty rates. Importers must verify the specific terms and rules of origin for each agreement to claim these benefits. The EU and UK also have numerous trade agreements that could impact duties.
What defines 'precious metal' for the purpose of HS 821510 classification?
For HS 821510, 'precious metal' generally refers to gold, silver, and platinum (including platinum-group metals like palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium). The key criterion is that at least one article within the assorted set must be plated with one of these precious metals. The plating must be a discernible layer, not merely trace amounts. Customs authorities may require proof of the plating, such as declarations from the manufacturer or specific assay information, especially if the precious metal content is significant or in dispute.