HS 842220 Machinery for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers
Quick Answer: Machinery for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers, classified under HS code 842220, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at a range of Free to 35% ad valorem depending on specific product details and trade agreements. This classification covers automated or semi-automated equipment designed for washing, rinsing, sterilizing, or drying various types of containers, such as glass bottles, plastic jugs, and metal cans, typically used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Importers should consult specific national tariff schedules for precise duty rates and potential preferential treatment. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8422200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8422200000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8422200000 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 842220 cover?
This subheading covers machinery specifically designed for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes equipment used in beverage, food, and pharmaceutical industries for washing, rinsing, steaming, or drying various types of containers, such as glass bottles, plastic jugs, and metal cans, to prepare them for filling or reuse. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope.
What falls outside HS 842220?
The following products are excluded from HS 842220: general-purpose cleaning machinery not specifically for containers, such as industrial pressure washers or floor scrubbers; machinery for cleaning the *contents* of containers; and equipment for drying general goods or materials. For instance, a simple industrial drying oven for textiles or a machine for cleaning electronic components would be classified elsewhere, typically under headings related to ovens (8419) or general industrial machinery.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842220?
A common error is misclassifying machinery that performs multiple functions, where the primary function is not cleaning or drying containers. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(c) of the Harmonized System, if an article can be classified under two or more headings, it shall be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. Importers may mistakenly classify a combined filling and washing machine under 842220 if the washing function is not clearly predominant.
How should importers classify products under HS 842220?
The correct procedure for classifying machinery under HS 842220 involves a thorough examination of the machine's design, intended use, and operational capabilities. Importers and customs brokers must consult the Explanatory Notes to HS Heading 8422 and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). Verify that the machine's sole or principal function is the cleaning or drying of bottles or other containers, and not a secondary or incidental operation.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842220?
A Krones Modulfill VFS-S bottle washing machine, weighing 5,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $150,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $7,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($150,000 × 0.05 = $7,500). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 8422.20.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842220?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842220, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying machinery originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), requiring a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842220 (Machinery for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers)?
Import duty rates for HS code 842220 can vary significantly depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. might be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine the correct duty rate. The USITC Tariff Tool is a valuable resource for U.S. import duties.
How is the import duty for HS 842220 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 842220 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 bottle cleaning machine is imported into the U.S. with a declared value of $50,000 and the MFN duty rate of 1.70% applies, the import duty would be calculated as: $50,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $850.00. If the machine were subject to a specific duty (e.g., per unit), the calculation would be rate per unit × number of units. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the relevant customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for machinery under HS code 842220?
Machinery classified under HS code 842220 is specifically designed for the cleaning or drying of bottles, jars, vials, or other containers. Key criteria include the machine's primary function: it must perform a cleaning operation (e.g., washing, rinsing, steaming) or a drying operation (e.g., hot air drying, vacuum drying) on the containers themselves, not the contents. Machines that perform other operations, such as filling, capping, or labeling, even if they handle containers, would fall under different HS codes. The WCO's Explanatory Notes for Chapter 84 provide detailed guidance on the scope of this heading.
What documentation is typically required when importing machinery classified under HS code 842220?
When importing machinery under HS code 842220, standard import documentation is generally required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a declaration of conformity or safety certification might be required, especially for machinery with electrical components. Importers should consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.
How do trade agreements, such as FTAs, impact the duty rates for HS code 842220?
Trade agreements, particularly Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods that meet specific rules of origin. For HS code 842220, if a bottle cleaning or drying machine is manufactured in a country that is party to an FTA with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for imports into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico, or EU FTAs for imports into the EU), it may qualify for a preferential duty rate, often 0.00% ad valorem. To benefit from these agreements, importers must possess a valid certificate of origin and ensure the machinery meets the FTA's rules of origin criteria, which often involve a certain percentage of regional value content or specific tariff shift requirements. Consulting resources like the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff can provide details on preferential rates applicable under various trade agreements.