HS 842620 Tower cranes
Quick Answer: Tower cranes imported under HS 842620 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a rate of 35% ad valorem under the MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers self-propelled or non-self-propelled tower cranes, which are essential for construction and heavy lifting operations. Importers should be aware of the significant duty differential for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, while the UK and EU offer duty-free entry, the US imposes a substantial tariff, necessitating careful cost analysis for trade into that country. Customs brokers should ensure accurate classification and be prepared to provide necessary documentation to support the duty-free status in the UK and EU, and the applicable duty calculation for the US.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8426200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8426200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8426200000 | 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 842620 cover?
This subheading covers tower cranes, which are a type of balance crane that incorporates a rotating horizontal boom. 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 TARIC, this classification applies to cranes designed for erection on a tower structure, typically used in construction for lifting and moving heavy materials at significant heights. These machines are characterized by their tall, vertical mast and a long, horizontal jib.
What falls outside HS 842620?
The following products are excluded from HS 842620: mobile cranes mounted on wheeled or tracked chassis (classified under 8426.30), floating cranes (classified under 8426.41), and other lifting machinery not specifically designed as tower cranes, such as portal cranes or gantry cranes (classified under 8426.49). Self-erecting tower cranes, which are designed to be assembled and disassembled by the crane itself, are also typically classified under this subheading if they meet the structural and functional criteria of a tower crane.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842620?
A common error is misclassifying mobile cranes or other types of construction machinery as tower cranes. This often occurs when the distinction between a fixed tower structure and a mobile chassis is not clearly understood. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers must carefully examine the design and intended use of the equipment to ensure it aligns with the specific definition of a tower crane.
How should importers classify products under HS 842620?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842620 involves a thorough review of the product's technical specifications and intended application. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and cross-reference with the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. Key factors include whether the crane is designed to be erected on a tower structure and its operational characteristics, ensuring it is not a mobile or other type of crane.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842620?
A Liebherr 150 EC-B 8 Litronic tower crane weighing 45,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $500,000 USD would attract a US duty of $25,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500,000 USD × 0.05 = $25,000). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 8426.20.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842620?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842620, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to 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 originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842620 (Tower cranes)?
Import duty rates for HS code 842620 (Tower cranes) vary by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also often 0.00% for most origins, though specific trade agreements or anti-dumping measures could apply. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate for tower cranes from most countries. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your origin of goods.
How is the import duty for a tower crane calculated using HS code 842620?
The duty calculation for tower cranes (HS 842620) is typically based on an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the item's value) or a specific rate (per unit). For instance, if a country applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty and a tower crane is valued at $100,000, the duty would be $100,000 \times 0.035 = $3,500. If there were a specific duty, for example, $500 per crane, the duty would be $500 \times 1 = $500 for one crane. Always verify the specific duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or a combination) and the declared value or quantity used for assessment.
What documentation is typically required when importing tower cranes under HS code 842620?
When importing tower cranes classified under HS code 842620, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, you may also need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Safety certifications or compliance declarations related to machinery standards might also be requested by customs authorities to ensure the equipment meets local safety regulations.
Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, offer preferential duty rates for tower cranes (HS 842620)?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for tower cranes (HS 842620). For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States, provided they meet the agreement's rules of origin. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries that can reduce or eliminate duties on goods like tower cranes. Importers must ensure the tower crane meets the specific rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA to benefit from these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for a 'tower crane' under HS code 842620?
HS code 842620 specifically covers 'Tower cranes'. Key classification criteria include the crane's design and primary function. A tower crane is characterized by its fixed base (often a concrete foundation), a vertical mast (the 'tower'), a horizontal jib (the boom), and a trolley or hook that moves along the jib to lift and transport materials. It is designed for use in the construction of tall buildings or other large structures. Equipment that does not fit this description, such as mobile cranes or gantry cranes, would be classified under different HS codes within heading 8426.