HS 843020 Snowploughs and snowblowers
Quick Answer: Snowploughs and snowblowers imported under HS 843020 enter the UK and EU duty-free, while entering the US at rates ranging from Free to 35% ad valorem. This classification covers machinery designed for clearing snow, including both ploughs that push snow aside and blowers that expel it. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, which may necessitate careful consideration of sourcing and pricing strategies. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific tariff lines for each jurisdiction to ensure accurate customs declarations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8430200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8430200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8430200030 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8430200090 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 84302000 | Free | — | — |
| 8430200060 | — | — | ["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 843020 cover?
This subheading covers snowploughs and snowblowers, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are machines designed for the removal of snow, typically from roads, pavements, or other surfaces. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system generally include self-propelled machines or those designed for attachment to vehicles, equipped with mechanisms for clearing snow, such as blades, augers, or impellers.
What falls outside HS 843020?
The following products are excluded from HS 843020: simple snow shovels or scrapers not mechanically operated, road maintenance machines that perform multiple functions beyond snow removal (e.g., combined snow ploughs and gritters classified under other headings), and domestic snow clearing devices not intended for heavy-duty or public use, which might fall under other headings depending on their specific design and power source.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 843020?
A common error is misclassifying multi-functional road maintenance equipment. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(c) of the Harmonized System, when goods are classifiable under two or more headings, they shall be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. For instance, a machine primarily designed for snow removal but also capable of significant other road maintenance functions might be classified elsewhere if those other functions are equally or more prominent.
How should importers classify products under HS 843020?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 843020 involves a thorough examination of the machine's primary function and design. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Key considerations include whether the machine is self-propelled or designed for attachment, and its specific snow-clearing mechanism.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 843020?
A self-propelled snowblower weighing 200 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($1,500 USD × 0.05 = $75.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8430.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 843020?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 843020, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free duty for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty for originating goods from certain developing countries. Documentation typically required includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and the specific agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 843020 (Snowploughs and snowblowers)?
Import duty rates for HS code 843020 vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also often 0.00%. The UK Trade Tariff may show similar preferential rates. However, some countries may apply higher rates; for instance, a rate of 35% is a possibility in certain trade contexts. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for snowploughs and snowblowers calculated under HS 843020?
Duty calculation typically involves an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the item's value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit), or a combination. For example, if a snowblower is valued at $500 and the applicable duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as $500 \times 0.035 = $17.50. If there were a specific duty component, such as $10 per unit, the total duty would be the sum of both. Always verify the specific duty calculation method and rates in the importing country's tariff.
What documentation is typically required when importing snowploughs and snowblowers under HS code 843020?
Standard import documentation for HS code 843020 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, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Safety and emissions compliance certificates might also be necessary, especially for powered equipment. Consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Do trade agreements like USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements affect the duty rates for HS code 843020?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for goods classified under HS code 843020. For example, if snowploughs or snowblowers meet the rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), they may qualify for duty-free entry into the US, Canada, or Mexico. Similarly, free trade agreements between the EU and other countries can reduce or eliminate tariffs. Importers must ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and be prepared to provide proof, such as a certificate of origin.
What are the key criteria for classifying equipment as a snowplough or snowblower under HS code 843020?
HS code 843020 covers 'Snow-ploughs, not self-propelled, and snow-sweepers'. However, the common understanding and broader application of this heading often include self-propelled snowblowers as well, especially in national tariff schedules that may subdivide this code. The primary function must be the removal or clearing of snow. Equipment designed for other purposes, even if capable of moving snow incidentally, would likely be classified elsewhere. For definitive classification, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and the specific rulings or tariff schedules of the importing country.