HS 843850 Machinery for the preparation of meat or poultry

Quick Answer: Machinery for the preparation of meat or poultry imported under HS 843850 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from 2.8% to 35% or free depending on the country of origin. This classification encompasses a wide array of equipment specifically designed for processing meat and poultry, including but not limited to, cutting, grinding, mixing, deboning, and packaging machinery. Importers and customs brokers should carefully verify the specific subheadings and applicable preferential duty rates based on the origin of the goods, as trade agreements significantly impact the final duty liability. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of origin verification for accurate customs declarations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8438500000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8438500000 1.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
84385000 2.8% Free (17 programs) —
8438500090 — — ["No."]
8438500010 — — ["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 8438.50?

Imports of Machinery for the preparation of meat or poultry 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?

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What products does HS 843850 cover?

This subheading covers machinery specifically designed for the industrial preparation or processing of meat or poultry. 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 includes machines for cutting, mincing, grinding, deboning, tenderizing, or packaging meat and poultry products. Examples include meat grinders, bone saws, and poultry defeathering machines, provided their primary function is the preparation of these foodstuffs.

What falls outside HS 843850?

The following products are excluded from HS 843850: general-purpose machinery not exclusively or principally used for meat or poultry preparation, such as standard industrial knives or basic cutting boards. Also excluded are machines for the preparation of other foodstuffs, like vegetable slicers (HS 843860) or dairy processing equipment (HS 8434). Furthermore, simple tools or hand-operated devices not considered "machinery" in the context of Chapter 84 are typically classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 82.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 843850?

A common error is misclassifying combination machines that perform multiple functions, some for meat/poultry and others for different food types. General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 3(c) dictates that when goods are classifiable by virtue of two or more headings, they shall be classified as last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. Importers may also incorrectly classify simple kitchen appliances used in households rather than industrial preparation machinery, which are typically found in headings like 8438.10 (bakery machinery).

How should importers classify products under HS 843850?

The correct procedure for classifying machinery under HS 843850 involves a thorough examination of the machine's design, intended use, and primary function. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. If a machine is designed and marketed for the industrial preparation of meat or poultry, it likely falls under this subheading. Verification of technical specifications and product literature is crucial.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 843850?

A commercial electric meat grinder weighing 50 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. For other jurisdictions, the duty rate and calculation method may vary significantly.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 843850?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 843850, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying machinery originating from Canada or Mexico can be imported duty-free. For example, a meat processing machine manufactured in Mexico and meeting USMCA rules of origin would have a preferential rate of Free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 843860 HS 843840 HS 843830 HS 843820 HS 843810 HS 843880

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 843850, covering machinery for the preparation of meat or poultry?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 843850 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the general MFN rate is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements. For instance, rates can be Free (0.00%) for imports from countries such as Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG), among others listed under specific trade programs. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the precise rate applicable to your country of origin and destination.

How is the import duty for HS 843850 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 843850 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a meat processing machine classified under HS 843850 has a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 1.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $170.00 USD. Always confirm the specific valuation rules and applicable duty rate with the customs authority of the importing country.

What are the key classification criteria for machinery to be classified under HS 843850?

Machinery classified under HS 843850 is specifically designed or adapted for the industrial preparation, processing, or packaging of meat or poultry. This includes machines for mincing, grinding, mixing, cutting, deboning, tenderizing, injecting, smoking, cooking, chilling, or packaging meat and poultry products. The machinery must perform a function directly related to these preparation stages. General-purpose machinery that can be used for meat or poultry but is not specifically designed for it would typically fall under other HS headings.

What documentation is typically required when importing machinery under HS code 843850?

When importing machinery under HS code 843850, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the machinery, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries may also require safety certifications or declarations of conformity to ensure the machinery meets local standards for electrical safety, food hygiene, or operational safety. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific requirements with the destination country's customs authority.

Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 843850, and how can importers benefit?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often reducing or eliminating duties for HS code 843850. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like South Korea (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement), Australia, and others that may offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union's TARIC system details preferential rates under agreements with various partners. To benefit, importers must ensure the machinery originates from a partner country and obtain a valid certificate of origin. This documentation is essential for customs brokers to claim the preferential treatment at the time of import.