HS 844010 Machinery
Quick Answer: Machinery for making or finishing books, or for other bookbinding work, imported under HS 844010 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers machines such as folding machines, gathering machines, and book-sewing machines. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and the need to verify the exact duty rate applicable to their particular machine in each jurisdiction. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8440100000 | — | — | — |
| 8440101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8440102000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8440103000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8440104000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8440100000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8440101000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8440102000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8440103000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8440104000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8440100000 | 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 844010 cover?
This subheading covers bookbinding machinery, including machines for folding, gathering, collating, stitching, sewing, gluing, trimming, and covering books. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database, this category specifically includes machines designed for the final assembly of printed sheets into bound volumes, excluding simple stapling machines or office-type binding devices. For instance, automatic case-making machines and perfect binding machines fall under this classification.
What falls outside HS 844010?
The following products are excluded from HS 844010: machinery for printing, ruling, or perforating paper (which are classified elsewhere in Chapter 84), machines for cutting paper (HS 8441), and simple office equipment like staplers or hole punches (typically classified under HS 8472). Furthermore, machines primarily for the manufacture of paper or paperboard, or for the production of continuous stationery, are not included. For example, a high-speed industrial paper cutter would be classified under HS 8441, not 844010.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844010?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform multiple functions, where the primary function is not bookbinding. For example, a machine that prints and then binds might be incorrectly classified under 844010 if its primary function is printing. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, goods consisting of different materials or components which cannot be classified by reference to the principal function or characteristic of the composite good should be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers must carefully determine the principal purpose of the machinery.
How should importers classify products under HS 844010?
The correct procedure for classifying machinery under HS 844010 involves a thorough review of the machine's operational capabilities and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official WCO Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, or the EU TARIC database for detailed descriptions and scope. It is crucial to identify the primary function of the machine; if it is designed for folding, gathering, stitching, gluing, or covering printed sheets to form bound books, it likely falls under this subheading. Always verify the specific model's specifications against the tariff descriptions.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844010?
A Kolbus BF 527 automatic bookbinding machine, declared at a customs value of $150,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $10,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 844010.9000 (other bookbinding machinery). The calculation is: $150,000 (declared value) × 0.07 (7.0% duty rate) = $10,500.00 (duty amount).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844010?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844010, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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 844010 (Bookbinding machinery)?
Import duty rates for HS code 844010, which covers bookbinding machinery, vary by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. may enter duty-free. Always consult the latest HTS or relevant national tariff database for the most current and specific rates applicable to your import.
How is the import duty for HS code 844010 calculated?
The duty for HS code 844010 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of bookbinding machinery valued at $10,000 is imported into the U.S. and subject to the MFN duty rate of 1.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $170.00. Ensure your customs value is correctly determined according to WTO valuation rules.
What are the classification criteria for machinery under HS code 844010?
HS code 844010 specifically covers 'Bookbinding machinery, including book-sewing machines'. To classify machinery under this code, it must be designed for the processes involved in binding books, such as folding, gathering, sewing, trimming, casing-in, and pressing. Machinery performing these primary functions, whether manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, will fall under this heading. Ancillary equipment or machinery not primarily used for bookbinding would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required for importing machinery under HS code 844010?
When importing machinery under HS code 844010, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be necessary. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, or specific safety and compliance certificates (e.g., CE marking for imports into the EU) if mandated by the importing country's regulations for machinery.
Do trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 844010?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 844010. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Mexico and Canada (USMCA), Australia, and South Korea. If bookbinding machinery originates from a country party to such an agreement and meets the rules of origin, it may be eligible for a reduced or zero duty rate upon import into the U.S. Importers and customs brokers must carefully review the specific terms and rules of origin for each applicable trade agreement to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.