HS 841470 Gas-tight biological safety cabinets
Quick Answer: Gas-tight biological safety cabinets imported under HS 841470 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.20% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 35% ad valorem. This HS code specifically covers cabinets designed to create a contained environment for handling biological agents, preventing their escape into the surrounding atmosphere. These are crucial for laboratories and research facilities requiring stringent biosafety measures. Importers should consult specific country tariff schedules for precise duty rates and potential import restrictions. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying tariff treatments across major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8414700000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8414700000 | 2.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8414700000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 841470 cover?
This subheading covers gas-tight biological safety cabinets, which are specialized enclosures designed to protect laboratory personnel, the environment, and the product from hazardous biological agents. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, these cabinets typically feature a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration system and maintain a controlled airflow to prevent the escape of airborne contaminants, ensuring a sterile working environment for sensitive biological research and handling.
What falls outside HS 841470?
The following products are excluded from HS 841470: general laboratory fume hoods that do not provide the same level of biological containment, clean benches that only protect the product but not the user or environment from biological agents, and industrial ventilation systems not specifically designed for biological safety. For instance, standard laboratory exhaust hoods (often classified under HS 8414.60) or general air purification units (HS 8421.39) do not meet the stringent containment requirements of gas-tight biological safety cabinets.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 841470?
A common error is misclassifying general laboratory ventilation equipment as biological safety cabinets when they lack the necessary gas-tight seals and HEPA filtration for biological containment. This can occur due to a misunderstanding of the specific protective functions. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable under two or more headings or subheadings, the heading or subheading that describes the essential character of the goods shall be taken. Biological safety cabinets are defined by their containment function, not just air movement.
How should importers classify products under HS 841470?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 841470 involves a thorough review of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the cabinet is designed for biological containment, features gas-tight seals, and incorporates HEPA filtration. Consulting the official WCO HS Nomenclature, the USITC HTS, or the EU TARIC for detailed descriptions and Explanatory Notes is crucial. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 841470?
A Class II Type A2 biological safety cabinet from Germany, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 3.5% × $5,000 USD = $175.00. This rate applies to goods from countries not covered by preferential trade agreements or specific exclusions.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 841470?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 841470, 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. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for qualifying products from certain 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 agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 841470 (Gas-tight biological safety cabinets)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 841470 is typically 3.7% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or specific trade programs. For example, under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the duty rate is often 0.00%. Importers should always verify the applicable duty rate based on the country of origin and any relevant trade agreements. Source: US International Trade Commission (USITC).
What specific criteria define a 'gas-tight biological safety cabinet' for HS classification under 841470?
A gas-tight biological safety cabinet, classified under HS code 841470, is a specialized enclosure designed to protect both the user and the environment from hazardous biological agents. Key classification criteria include its ability to maintain a sealed environment (gas-tight) to prevent the escape of aerosols or contaminants, its use in biological research or handling of infectious materials, and its integrated ventilation and filtration systems (typically HEPA filters) to ensure containment. It is distinct from general laboratory fume hoods or ventilation units. Source: World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes.
What documentation is typically required when importing gas-tight biological safety cabinets under HS 841470?
When importing gas-tight biological safety cabinets (HS 841470), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Additionally, depending on the country of import and the specific application of the cabinet, certifications related to safety standards (e.g., NSF/ANSI 49 in the US), electrical compliance, and potentially declarations of origin to claim preferential duty rates may be necessary. Customs brokers should advise importers on any specific import permits or licenses required by health or environmental agencies.
How is the import duty for HS 841470 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 841470 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 3.7% and an importer brings in a biological safety cabinet with a declared value of $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.037 (Duty Rate) = $370.00 USD. This calculation is based on the customs value, which usually includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the port of entry. Source: USITC Tariff Schedule.
Are there common trade agreements that offer reduced or zero duty rates for HS 841470?
Yes, several trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for HS code 841470. For instance, under the USMCA, goods originating from Canada or Mexico often benefit from a 0.00% duty rate. Similarly, the European Union's TARIC system may offer preferential rates for goods originating from countries with which the EU has a Free Trade Agreement. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to qualify for these preferential rates. Source: EU TARIC Database, UK Trade Tariff.