HS 841950 Heat-exchange units
Quick Answer: Heat-exchange units imported under HS 841950 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at 4.2% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification covers apparatus designed to transfer heat between two or more fluids (liquids, gases, or vapors) through a separating wall. Examples include radiators, condensers, and evaporators used in industrial processes, HVAC systems, and automotive applications. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and associated duty rates across different jurisdictions, as detailed by CustomTariffs. Verification with official tariff schedules for precise application is recommended.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8419500000 | — | — | — |
| 8419502000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8419508000 | — | — | — |
| 8419508010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8419508020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8419500000 | — | — | — |
| 8419502000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8419508000 | — | — | — |
| 8419508010 | — | — | — |
| 8419508020 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8419501000 | 4.2% | Free (19 programs) | ["No."] |
| 841950 | — | — | — |
| 8419505000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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 8419.50?
Imports of Heat-exchange units 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 16 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 841950 cover?
This subheading covers heat-exchange units, specifically those designed for the continuous exchange of heat between two or more fluids (which may be in gaseous or liquid state), whether or not they involve a phase change. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes devices like shell-and-tube, plate, and finned-tube heat exchangers. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the primary function of heat transfer between distinct media.
What falls outside HS 841950?
The following products are excluded from HS 841950: general-purpose ovens and cookers (8419.81), industrial or laboratory furnaces and ovens (8419.89), and machinery for treating materials by change of temperature, such as drying, baking, or cooling (8419.31-8419.39). Also excluded are air-conditioning machines that also provide heating (8415) and refrigeration equipment where heat exchange is a secondary function. For instance, a simple radiator for a vehicle engine is typically classified under automotive parts, not as a standalone heat-exchange unit under 8419.50.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 841950?
A common error is misinterpreting the primary function of the equipment. If a unit's main purpose is not the continuous exchange of heat between two distinct fluids, it may be misclassified. For example, a device primarily for drying materials, even if it involves heat transfer, would fall under 8419.31 or 8419.39, not 8419.50. This aligns with General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, which states that mixtures or composite goods shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character.
How should importers classify products under HS 841950?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 841950 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and operational principles. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Key considerations include whether the product facilitates continuous heat transfer between two separate media and if this is its principal function, as opposed to drying, cooking, or refrigeration.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 841950?
A plate heat exchanger weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for a similar product. The calculation is: $5,000 (declared value) × 0.07 (duty rate) = $350.00 (duty amount). This rate is subject to change and specific product details may influence the final classification and duty.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 841950?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 841950, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free (0%) duty rates for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement or a certificate of origin is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction, with documentation submitted to customs authorities.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 841950 (Heat-exchange units)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 841950 varies by country. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% MFN duty rate. The European Union, under the TARIC system, also generally has a 0.00% MFN duty rate for many types of heat exchangers, though specific subheadings might differ. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff often shows a 0.00% duty rate for general heat-exchange units. However, it is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate, as rates can change and exceptions may apply.
How is HS code 841950 defined, and what are the key classification criteria for heat-exchange units?
HS code 841950 covers 'Heat-exchange units: counter-current'. The primary classification criterion is the function of the apparatus: to transfer heat between two or more fluids (liquids, gases, or vapors) that are at different temperatures, without direct mixing. The 'counter-current' aspect refers to a specific design where the fluids flow in opposite directions, which is generally the most efficient method for heat transfer. Importers must ensure the unit's principal function is heat exchange and that it is not primarily designed for other purposes, such as refrigeration (which may fall under other HS codes).
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for a heat-exchange unit under HS code 841950?
Let's assume an importer brings a heat-exchange unit into the United States, where the MFN duty rate for HS 841950 is 0.00%. If the declared value of the heat exchanger is $10,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty = $10,000 USD × 0.00% = $0.00 USD. If the importing country had a specific duty rate, for instance, 1.70% ad valorem, the duty would be $10,000 USD × 1.70% = $170.00 USD. Always verify the applicable duty rate and whether it is ad valorem (based on value), specific (per unit), or a combination.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 841950?
Standard import documentation for HS code 841950 includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the heat-exchange units. A packing list is also essential. A bill of lading or air waybill serves as the contract of carriage. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Some countries may also require technical specifications or datasheets to verify the classification and ensure compliance with safety or environmental standards. Always consult the customs authority of the importing country for a comprehensive list.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 841950, and how can importers benefit?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 841950. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), qualifying heat-exchange units may receive preferential treatment. The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Canada, Japan, and South Korea, often resulting in reduced or zero duties. The UK also has FTAs that can impact duties. To benefit, importers must ensure the heat-exchange unit originates in a country that is party to a relevant trade agreement and meets the agreement's rules of origin. This typically requires a Certificate of Origin or a declaration from the exporter. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the specific terms of each trade agreement to confirm eligibility and compliance requirements.