HS 842111 Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers
Quick Answer: Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, imported under HS 842111 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.20% ad valorem, and the US with a Free MFN rate, though a 25% rate may apply. This code covers mechanical devices that separate substances of different densities by applying centrifugal force, commonly used for separating liquids from solids or liquids of different densities. For importers and customs brokers, understanding these varying duty rates across major markets is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for efficient international trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8421110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8421110000 | 2.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8421110000 | 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 842111 cover?
This subheading covers centrifuges, which are machines and apparatus that use centrifugal force to separate substances of different densities or to remove liquid from solids. This includes centrifugal dryers, commonly used in laundries and industrial settings to extract moisture from textiles, as well as laboratory centrifuges for separating blood components or other biological samples. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Heading 8421 clarify that these machines operate by imparting a rapid rotation to a container holding the mixture, causing denser components to move outward. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide further detail on specific types of centrifuges falling under this code.
What falls outside HS 842111?
The following products are excluded from HS 842111: general-purpose washing machines (HS 8450), which may incorporate a spin-drying function but are primarily designed for washing; industrial filters and strainers (HS 842121 to 842129), which are designed for fluid purification rather than separation by centrifugal force; and specialized equipment like cream separators (HS 842112), which are specifically designed for separating cream from milk. Machines that use other principles for separation, such as sedimentation or filtration without significant centrifugal action, are also classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842111?
A common error is misclassifying washing machines with a high-speed spin cycle under HS 842111, when they should be classified under HS 8450 as laundry-type washing machines, as per General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, which prioritizes the essential character of the product. Another mistake involves classifying industrial filtration equipment that uses pressure or vacuum rather than centrifugal force under this heading. Importers must carefully consider the primary function and operating principle of the machine to ensure correct classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 842111?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842111 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, function, and operating mechanism. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC database, and review the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 8421. They should also consider the intended use and the primary method of separation employed by the machine to determine if it fits the definition of a centrifuge or centrifugal dryer.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842111?
A laboratory centrifuge weighing 15 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,200 USD would attract a US duty of $48.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 4.0% × $1,200 USD = $48.00. It is crucial to verify the specific duty rate for the exact model and country of origin, as rates can vary.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842111?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842111, 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. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for qualifying goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What is the general import duty rate for centrifuges classified under HS code 842111?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, under HS code 842111 is 2.20% ad valorem. This rate applies to goods imported from countries that do not have a specific preferential trade agreement with the importing country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, this rate is listed. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most current and applicable rates.
How is the import duty for HS 842111 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 842111 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 centrifuge valued at $10,000 is imported and the applicable duty rate is 2.20%, the import duty would be $10,000 (value) × 0.0220 (duty rate) = $220. Some specific types of centrifuges or import scenarios might involve specific duties or other taxes, so verifying the exact calculation method with customs authorities is crucial.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for centrifuges (HS 842111) under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may be available depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries that are part of the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) might benefit from reduced or zero duty rates. Importers should verify the rules of origin and the specific provisions of trade agreements, such as those between the US and its FTA partners or within the EU's internal market, to determine eligibility for preferential treatment. The EU TARIC database and the USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule are excellent resources for this information.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be considered centrifuges under HS code 842111?
To be classified under HS code 842111, the primary function of the machine must be separation by centrifugal force. This includes machines that use centrifugal force to separate liquids from solids, liquids from liquids, or solids from solids. Centrifugal dryers, which use centrifugal force to remove moisture from materials, also fall under this code. The WCO (World Customs Organization) Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on the scope of this heading, emphasizing the mechanical action of spinning at high speed to achieve separation. Exclusions typically include machines where centrifugation is only a secondary function.
What documentation is typically required for importing centrifuges under HS code 842111?
Standard import documentation for HS 842111 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. Additionally, safety certifications or compliance documents related to electrical standards, hazardous materials (if applicable), or specific industry regulations might be necessary. Importers and customs brokers should consult the importing country's customs authority for a comprehensive list of required documents to ensure smooth clearance.