HS 842810 Lifts and skip hoists
Quick Answer: Lifts and skip hoists imported under HS 842810 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate, with a potential 35% duty rate in the US for certain classifications. This heading specifically covers mechanical lifting and handling equipment such as passenger or goods elevators, skip hoists, and conveyor systems designed for continuous vertical or inclined movement of materials. Importers should verify the specific subheadings within 842810 in each jurisdiction, as minor variations in design or application can affect the final duty assessment. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the generally favorable duty treatment for these goods across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428108000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8428100000 | — | — | — |
| 8428102000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8428102000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8428108000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428100000 | 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 842810 cover?
This subheading covers mechanical appliances for raising, lowering, or moving loads, specifically lifts and skip hoists. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes passenger or goods elevators (lifts) and devices for automatically raising and lowering loads in a skip or bucket (skip hoists). Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system confirm that these are self-contained units designed for vertical or inclined transport of materials or people within a building or structure.
What falls outside HS 842810?
The following products are excluded from HS 842810: conveyor belts (HS 842839), cranes and other lifting machinery (HS 8426), fork-lift trucks (HS 8427), and machinery for excavating or earth-moving (HS 8429). Also excluded are escalators and moving walkways (HS 842840), which are distinct from traditional lifts. Items that are not primarily designed for the vertical or inclined movement of loads, such as simple hoists for single-point lifting without a skip, are also classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842810?
A common error is misclassifying specialized lifting equipment that does not fit the specific definition of a lift or skip hoist. For instance, industrial cranes or automated storage and retrieval systems, while involving vertical movement, are typically classified under different headings within HS Chapter 84. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3, is crucial to ensure correct classification based on the essential character of the goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 842810?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842810 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, function, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and cross-reference with the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. Identifying whether the machinery is a passenger or goods elevator, or a skip hoist for material handling, is paramount to selecting the correct subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842810?
A passenger elevator system weighing 2,500 kg and declared at a customs value of $30,000 USD would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($30,000 USD × 0.05 = $1,500.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 842810.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842810?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842810, 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 for qualifying goods from member countries like Vietnam, potentially reducing duties to Free. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA and a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, as per the respective country's customs regulations.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842810 (Lifts and skip hoists)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 842810, covering lifts and skip hoists, is generally 0.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, specific rates can vary based on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the US, such as Australia, may benefit from preferential duty rates, often also 0.00%. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) via the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website for the most current and precise rates applicable to your specific import.
How is the import duty for a lift classified under HS 842810 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 842810 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 lift with an HS code 842810 has a declared customs value of $50,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 0.00%, the duty amount would be calculated as: $50,000 (Value) × 0.00% (Duty Rate) = $0.00. If, hypothetically, a specific origin or classification resulted in a 3.5% duty rate, the calculation would be: $50,000 (Value) × 3.5% (Duty Rate) = $1,750.00. Always verify the exact duty rate and calculation basis with the HTSUS.
What documentation is typically required when importing lifts and skip hoists under HS code 842810?
When importing lifts and skip hoists classified under HS code 842810, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Depending on the origin and destination country, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or manuals if Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires further clarification on the classification or functionality of the lift.
Are there specific criteria that distinguish a 'lift' or 'skip hoist' under HS 842810 from other types of lifting machinery?
Yes, HS code 842810 specifically covers 'Lifts and skip hoists'. Lifts, in this context, generally refer to machines designed for transporting persons or goods between different levels, often found in buildings (elevators) or industrial settings. Skip hoists are typically used for automatically transporting materials in skips or buckets, often in construction or mining. The key distinction lies in their primary function of vertical or inclined transport of loads in a contained manner, as opposed to cranes (8426), other lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery (8428), or conveyors (8428). Wording in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System provides further guidance on distinguishing these categories.
How do trade agreements, such as the USMCA, affect the duty rates for HS code 842810?
Trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can significantly impact duty rates for goods classified under HS code 842810. If lifts and skip hoists meet the rules of origin stipulated by the USMCA, they may qualify for preferential duty treatment, often resulting in a 0.00% duty rate, even if the standard MFN rate is higher (though for 842810, the MFN is typically already 0.00%). To benefit from these agreements, importers must possess a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin and ensure all origin criteria are met. It is essential for importers and customs brokers to consult the specific text of the trade agreement and the HTSUS to confirm eligibility and required documentation for preferential treatment.