HS 830300 Armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes and doors and safe deposit lockers for strongrooms

Quick Answer: Armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes, and doors and safe deposit lockers for strongrooms imported under HS 830300 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at 3.8% (MFN). This classification specifically covers robust security containers and components designed for the protection of valuables. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates, particularly in the US market where numerous free trade agreements apply. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-specific tariff treatments for accurate landed cost calculations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8303004000 2.00 % — —
8303009000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8303004000 2.70 % — —
8303009000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8303000000 3.8% 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 8303.00?

Imports of Armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes and doors and safe deposit lockers for strongrooms 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 to Classify This HS Code?

```html

What products does HS 830300 cover?

This subheading covers "Armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes and doors and safe deposit lockers for strongrooms," as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. This includes a broad range of security containers and access points designed to protect valuables from theft and fire. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the armouring or reinforcement, providing a substantial level of protection.

What falls outside HS 830300?

The following products are excluded from HS 830300: general filing cabinets, ordinary metal cabinets, and simple lockable boxes that do not possess the specific characteristics of armouring or reinforcement for high-security purposes. For instance, standard office filing cabinets, even if lockable, would typically be classified under heading 9403, while simple cash boxes without significant protective features would fall under other headings depending on their material and construction.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 830300?

A common error is misinterpreting the degree of "armoured or reinforced" protection required for classification under this heading. Importers may incorrectly classify items that offer only basic security, such as simple document safes or standard metal cabinets with locks, under 830300. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for composite goods, the essential character of the item must be that of a security container, which implies significant protective features beyond a simple lock.

How should importers classify products under HS 830300?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 830300 involves a thorough examination of the product's construction and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the item is specifically designed and constructed with materials and features (e.g., thick steel plating, fire-resistant insulation, complex locking mechanisms) to provide a high level of security against forced entry and environmental hazards. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and relevant national tariff schedules is crucial.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 830300?

A Chubb Europa 1-hour fire-rated safe weighing 250 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 10% × $1,500 = $150.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 830300?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 830300, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, for goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a GSP Form A may be necessary to obtain preferential duty rates, potentially reducing duties significantly.

```

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 830110 HS 830130 HS 830120 HS 830140 HS 830260

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 830300 (armoured safes)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 830300, covering armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes, and similar items, can vary. For instance, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the MFN rate is often around 2.00% ad valorem. However, specific rates can differ based on the importing country's tariff schedule. It is crucial to consult the official tariff schedule of the destination country for the precise rate applicable to your shipment.

How is the import duty for HS 830300 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 830300 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of safes has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 2.00%, the import duty would be $10,000 × 0.02 = $200. Always ensure the customs value is accurately declared as per the importing country's valuation rules.

Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 830300 under trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS code 830300 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade schemes. For example, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Mexico (MX), or South Korea (KR) may benefit from reduced or free entry into the United States, provided they meet the rules of origin criteria specified in the respective trade agreements. Importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin to claim these preferential rates. Always verify the specific agreement and its requirements.

What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 830300?

HS code 830300 covers 'Armoured or reinforced safes, strongboxes and safe deposit lockers for strongrooms, of base metal.' The key classification criteria include: 1. Material: The primary construction material must be base metal. 2. Functionality: The goods must be designed for security, specifically as safes, strongboxes, or safe deposit lockers. 3. Protection: They must be armoured or reinforced to provide a high level of protection against unauthorized access, fire, or other damage. Items that do not meet these criteria, such as simple metal cabinets or toolboxes, would be classified elsewhere.

What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 830300?

When importing goods classified under HS code 830300, standard import documentation is required, which usually includes: 1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods. 2. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: As the transport document. 3. Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package. 4. Certificate of Origin: Essential if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. 5. Import License or Permit: If required by the importing country for specific security equipment. It is advisable to check with the customs authority of the importing country for any specific or additional documentation requirements.