HS 842831 Other continuous-action elevators and conveyors, for goods or materials
Quick Answer: Other continuous-action elevators and conveyors for goods or materials imported under HS 842831 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 35% (MFN rate) or free. This classification covers mechanical handling equipment designed for the continuous movement of goods or materials, such as belt conveyors, bucket elevators, and screw conveyors, but excludes those for passengers. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity in the US. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure compliance and optimize landed costs for these industrial machinery items.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8428310000 | 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 842831 cover?
This subheading covers other continuous-action elevators and conveyors specifically designed for the transport of goods or materials. 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 database, this category includes equipment such as belt conveyors, bucket elevators, screw conveyors, and vibrating feeders that operate continuously to move bulk or packaged items within industrial processes or facilities. These machines are distinct from those for passengers or those that operate intermittently.
What falls outside HS 842831?
The following products are excluded from HS 842831: elevators and conveyors for passengers (classified under heading 842810), lifting and handling machinery not operating continuously (e.g., cranes, forklifts, classified elsewhere in Chapter 84), and specialized equipment like pneumatic tube systems or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) which may fall under different headings depending on their primary function and construction. Also excluded are simple conveying elements like rollers or chutes not forming part of a continuous-action machine.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 842831?
A common error is misclassifying machines that have a continuous action but are designed for specific, non-material handling purposes, or conversely, classifying intermittent handling equipment under this subheading. For instance, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) with integrated continuous conveying elements might be incorrectly classified if the primary function is storage rather than continuous material movement. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) regarding essential character is crucial when components of different headings are present.
How should importers classify products under HS 842831?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 842831 involves a thorough examination of the machine's design, intended use, and operational characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the equipment operates continuously for the movement of goods or materials. Consulting the official HS Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, or the EU TARIC database for specific product examples and exclusion criteria is essential. Verification of the machine's primary function, as per General Interpretative Rule 1, is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 842831?
A continuous belt conveyor system weighing 5,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD would attract a US duty of $1,250. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) ad valorem duty rate of 5.0% published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for this specific classification (8428.31.0000). The calculation is: $25,000 (customs value) × 0.05 (duty rate) = $1,250 (duty amount). This rate applies in the absence of preferential trade agreement benefits.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 842831?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 842831, 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 UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement can also provide a duty rate of Free for eligible goods originating from the EU. Documentation required for USMCA claims typically involves a self-certified origin statement, while EU/UK preferences often require an EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 842831?
Import duty rates for HS code 842831, 'Other continuous-action elevators and conveyors, for goods or materials,' vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.9% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate can be 0.00% ad valorem for goods originating from certain countries with preferential trade agreements. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often around 0.00% for goods from countries with specific trade deals. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your goods.
How is the duty for HS code 842831 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 842831 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a conveyor system classified under 842831 has a customs value of $50,000 and the applicable duty rate is 4.9% (e.g., the US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $50,000 (customs value) × 0.049 (duty rate) = $2,450. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, but ad valorem is most common for this category.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 842831?
HS code 842831 covers 'Other continuous-action elevators and conveyors, for goods or materials.' The key criteria for classification include: 1. Continuous Action: The equipment must operate continuously or semi-continuously to move goods or materials. 2. Elevator or Conveyor Function: It must be designed for lifting (elevating) or transporting (conveying) goods or materials from one location to another. 3. For Goods or Materials: It is not intended for the transport of persons. 4. Exclusion: It must not be specifically classified under more specific headings within Chapter 84 (e.g., certain types of lifting machinery, fork-lift trucks, or conveyors integrated into production lines). Examples include belt conveyors, bucket elevators, and screw conveyors designed for bulk materials or packaged goods.
Which trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS code 842831?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 842831 are often available through various trade agreements. For imports into the EU, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Canada (CETA), Japan, and South Korea can lead to reduced or 0.00% duties, provided the goods meet rules of origin. In the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer preferential treatment for qualifying goods. The UK also has numerous FTAs that can impact duty rates. Importers must ensure their goods meet the specific rules of origin requirements stipulated in each trade agreement to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 842831?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 842831 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. For machinery, technical specifications, manuals, or diagrams might be requested by customs to verify classification. Safety certifications or compliance documents might also be necessary depending on the specific type of conveyor or elevator and the importing country's regulations.