HS 830610 Bells, gongs and the like
Quick Answer: Bells, gongs, and similar articles imported under HS 830610 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 5.8% (MFN), with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This classification encompasses a variety of sound-producing devices, excluding those that are musical instruments or parts thereof. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, where a substantial Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate applies unless a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential program is applicable. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8306100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8306100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8306100000 | 5.8% | 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 8306.10?
Imports of Bells, gongs and the like 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 830610 cover?
This subheading covers bells, gongs, and similar articles of base metal, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes items designed to produce sound through striking or other mechanisms, such as handbells, sleigh bells, and decorative gongs. These are typically made from metals like iron, steel, brass, or aluminum.
What falls outside HS 830610?
The following products are excluded from HS 830610: musical instruments of heading 9208, such as orchestral bells or carillons, which are designed for musical performance. Also excluded are parts and accessories for these items, as well as articles of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal (which would be classified elsewhere). For instance, a decorative bell made entirely of silver would not fall under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 830610?
A common error is misclassifying decorative items that merely resemble bells but do not function as such, or confusing them with musical instruments. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. For example, a purely ornamental metal bell without any sound-producing mechanism might be classified under heading 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) if it lacks the functional characteristics of a bell.
How should importers classify products under HS 830610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 830610 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition, intended function, and construction. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to verify the specific wording of the subheading and any relevant explanatory notes. Confirming that the item is indeed a bell, gong, or similar sound-producing article made of base metal is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 830610?
A set of 10 decorative brass bells weighing 2 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 3.5% of $100 USD = $3.50. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule under HTS code 8306.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 830610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 830610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 830610, covering bells, gongs, and the like?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 830610 can vary significantly depending on the importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty. The European Union, under the TARIC system, may have rates ranging from 0.00% to 5.8% ad valorem, depending on the specific product and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varied rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the exact rate applicable to your import.
How is the import duty for HS 830610 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 830610 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of bells valued at $10,000 USD is imported into a country with an MFN duty rate of 3.5%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $350.00 (Duty Amount). Some specific items under this code might also have specific duties based on weight or quantity, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties.
What are the classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 830610?
HS code 830610 covers 'Bells, gongs and the like, not electrically operated, of base metal.' This means the primary classification criteria are: 1. The item must be a bell, gong, or a similar sounding device. 2. It must not be electrically operated. 3. It must be made of base metal (e.g., iron, steel, copper, aluminum, zinc, lead, nickel, tin, or their alloys). Items like electric doorbells, alarm bells, or bells made primarily of precious metal would typically be classified elsewhere.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 830610, and what documentation is needed?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 830610 are often available under various free trade agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG) might benefit from reduced or zero duties under specific FTAs with major importing nations. To claim these preferential rates, importers must provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin, compliant with the specific FTA's requirements, to customs authorities. Always verify the specific FTA provisions and origin criteria for the goods.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and packing list for importing goods under HS 830610?
While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard import documents, for HS code 830610, additional documentation might be required depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the goods. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential tariff treatment under FTAs. Some countries may require specific product safety or compliance declarations, although this is less common for simple bells and gongs unless they are intended for specific regulated uses (e.g., safety equipment). It's advisable for importers and customs brokers to check the specific import regulations of the destination country.