HS 842320 Scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors
Quick Answer: Scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors imported under HS 842320 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 0.00% or 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from free to 4.5% ad valorem, depending on the country of origin. This classification covers automatic weighing machines designed to measure the weight of goods as they move along a conveyor belt, such as in production lines or bulk handling operations. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying preferential rates available in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the importance of origin for duty determination.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8423201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8423200000 | — | — | — |
| 8423209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8423200000 | — | — | — |
| 8423201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8423209000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 842320 | — | — | [] |
| 8423209000 | 2.9% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 8423201000 | 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 8423.20?
Imports of Scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors 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 14 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 842320 cover?
This subheading covers scales designed for the continuous weighing of goods as they move along a conveyor belt. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these are essentially in-motion weighing systems that integrate directly into material handling processes. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes belt scales, weigh feeders, and other automatic weighing machines that measure the mass of a product while it is in transit on a conveyor, often for inventory control or process management.
What falls outside HS 842320?
The following products are excluded from HS 842320: scales not designed for continuous weighing on conveyors, such as static bench scales, floor scales, or laboratory balances. Also excluded are weighing machines that are part of a larger production or packaging line but do not specifically perform continuous weighing *on* a conveyor, such as checkweighers that stop or divert items. Furthermore, simple conveyor components without integrated weighing functionality, or scales used for weighing discrete items after they have left a conveyor, are classified elsewhere, typically under heading 8423.89.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842320?
A common error is misclassifying scales that are designed for weighing discrete items rather than for continuous flow on a conveyor. For instance, a checkweigher that sorts items based on weight after they have been individually presented might be incorrectly entered under 842320. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial here. If the scale's primary function is not continuous weighing of goods *on* a conveyor, it likely belongs to a different subheading within heading 8423.
How should importers classify products under HS 842320?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842320 involves a thorough examination of the product's design and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the scale is specifically engineered for continuous weighing of goods while they are in motion on a conveyor belt. Reviewing the manufacturer's specifications, technical manuals, and product descriptions is essential. Cross-referencing these details with the official descriptions found in the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, will confirm if the product meets the criteria for this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842320?
A continuous belt scale weighing 500 kg, declared at a customs value of $10,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $650.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 6.5% × $10,000 USD = $650.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 8423.20.0000 for goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842320?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842320, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a specific origin statement on the invoice or a separate certificate of origin is typically required, depending on the value and nature of the goods. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, preferential duty rates may be available under the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable), often requiring a self-certified origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842320, 'Scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 842320 is generally 2.9%. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods imported from countries with trade agreements with the United States. For example, imports from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the specific rate applicable to the country of origin. The USITC provides this information.
What specific criteria define a scale for continuous weighing under HS code 842320?
HS code 842320 covers scales designed for the continuous weighing of goods as they move along a conveyor system. Key classification criteria include the scale's integration with a conveyor, its ability to measure weight while goods are in motion, and its primary function being continuous weighing rather than batch weighing or simple load indication. This typically involves load cells, a weighing platform or belt, and a system for processing and displaying the weight data in real-time. Equipment that weighs goods intermittently or after they have stopped on the conveyor would likely be classified elsewhere.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 842320, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 842320 is typically an ad valorem rate, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 2.9% and a shipment of conveyor scales is valued at $10,000, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Value) × 0.029 (Duty Rate) = $290 (Duty Amount). If a specific quantity-based duty component exists (e.g., per unit), it would be added to the ad valorem amount. Always verify the exact duty calculation method in the HTSUS.
What documentation is typically required when importing scales classified under HS code 842320?
When importing scales under HS code 842320, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the country of origin and any claimed preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures that clearly demonstrate the scale's function for continuous weighing on conveyors, to substantiate the HS classification. Compliance with any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other agency requirements, if applicable to the end-use, should also be confirmed.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 842320 into the United States?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 842320 entering the United States. Based on the provided sample rates, countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) likely have agreements that grant duty-free (Free) or reduced duty entry for these scales. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and possess the correct documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits. Always refer to the HTSUS, Chapter 98, and the specific FTA text for definitive eligibility.