HS 842310 Personal weighing machines, including baby scales; household scales
Quick Answer: Personal weighing machines, including baby scales and household scales, imported under HS 842310 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 45% ad valorem. This classification covers devices designed for measuring the weight of individuals or for general household use, such as kitchen scales. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity in the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful consideration of the specific subheadings within each jurisdiction is crucial for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8423100000 | — | — | — |
| 8423101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8423109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8423100000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8423101000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8423109000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84231000 | Free | — | — |
| 8423100030 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8423100010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8423100060 | — | — | ["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 842310 cover?
This subheading covers personal weighing machines, including those designed for infants (baby scales), and general household scales. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, these are typically mechanical or electronic devices intended for domestic use to determine the weight of individuals or household items, excluding industrial or commercial scales.
What falls outside HS 842310?
The following products are excluded from HS 842310: scales designed for industrial or commercial purposes, such as platform scales for weighing goods, laboratory analytical balances, or medical scales used in clinical settings for patient diagnosis (which may fall under other headings like 9018). Also excluded are simple measuring devices that do not determine weight, like measuring tapes or volume cups, and scales integrated into other appliances where weighing is not the primary function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842310?
A common error is misclassifying scales based solely on their appearance or intended user without considering their primary function or the specific definitions within the Harmonized System. For instance, a highly accurate digital scale intended for precise food portioning in a domestic kitchen might be mistakenly classified as a laboratory balance if its precision is misinterpreted. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 842310?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842310 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Comparing the product's features against the descriptions and exclusions for heading 8423 and subheading 842310 is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842310?
A digital bathroom scale weighing 2 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 7% of $50 = $3.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8423.10.10.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842310?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842310, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, while GSP may necessitate a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842310 (Personal weighing machines, including baby scales; household scales)?
Import duty rates for HS code 842310 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. might be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. The EU TARIC database and the UK Trade Tariff also provide detailed rate information for their respective regions.
How is the duty calculated for goods classified under HS 842310?
The duty for HS code 842310 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of household scales is valued at $5,000 and the applicable duty rate is 1.70% (as per the U.S. MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as follows: $5,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $85.00. Always ensure the declared value is the customs value, which usually includes the cost of goods, insurance, and freight (CIF) up to the point of import.
What documentation is typically required when importing personal or household scales under HS code 842310?
Standard import documentation for HS code 842310 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, or specific product certifications related to safety or accuracy standards. Importers and customs brokers should verify the specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Are there specific criteria to distinguish between personal/household scales (842310) and other types of weighing machinery?
Yes, HS code 842310 is specifically for weighing machines designed for personal use or within a household setting. This includes scales for weighing individuals (personal scales), babies (baby scales), and general household tasks (kitchen scales, luggage scales). The key distinction lies in their intended application and capacity. Scales designed for industrial, commercial, laboratory, or medical use (e.g., precision laboratory balances, industrial platform scales, medical diagnostic scales) are classified under different HS codes within Chapter 84, often with higher duty rates or specific regulatory requirements.
How do trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU FTAs, impact the import duties for HS code 842310?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS code 842310, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if personal scales manufactured in Mexico qualify as originating goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), they may be eligible for duty-free entry into the United States. Similarly, goods originating from countries with Free Trade Agreements with the European Union may benefit from reduced or zero duties. To claim these benefits, importers must typically provide a valid certificate of origin and ensure compliance with all other requirements of the specific trade agreement.