HS 844250 Plates, cylinders and other printing components; plates, cylinders and lithographic stones, prepared for printing purposes (for example, planed, grained or polished)
Quick Answer: Plates, cylinders, and other printing components prepared for printing purposes, imported under HS 844250, enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US with varying rates, including free entry and a 60% ad valorem duty depending on the specific sub-heading. This classification covers items like planed, grained, or polished plates, cylinders, and lithographic stones ready for use in printing processes. Importers should consult specific national tariff schedules, such as those found on the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff websites, to determine the precise duty applicable to their goods. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the specific product description within the HS code is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8442500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8442500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 844250 | — | — | — |
| 8442509000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 8442501000 | 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 844250 cover?
This subheading covers printing components that have been prepared for printing purposes, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. This includes plates, cylinders, and other elements specifically manufactured or treated (e.g., planed, grained, or polished) to be ready for use in printing machinery. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that the preparation for printing is the key characteristic for classification under this code, distinguishing them from raw or unfinished materials.
What falls outside HS 844250?
The following products are excluded from HS 844250: printing machinery itself (classified under heading 8443), unmounted or unprepared printing plates or cylinders, and materials that are merely printed upon rather than being components prepared for printing. For instance, finished printed matter, blank paper or plastic sheets intended for printing, and raw metal or plastic stock from which printing components might be made are classified elsewhere. Unprepared lithographic stones are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844250?
A common error is misclassifying printing components that have not undergone the necessary preparation for printing. For example, a blank aluminum plate intended for offset printing, but not yet grained or coated, might be incorrectly classified here. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1 and GIR 3(b) is crucial, ensuring that the "essential character" of the item as a prepared printing component is met. Overlooking the specific preparation mentioned in the heading's text is a frequent pitfall.
How should importers classify products under HS 844250?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 844250 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the component is specifically prepared (planed, grained, polished, or otherwise treated) for printing. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO or national customs authorities will provide definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844250?
A set of 100 aluminum offset printing plates, each measuring 740mm x 600mm and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 844250.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844250?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844250, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. For claiming these preferences, a self-certified origin statement or a specific origin declaration is typically required, depending on the agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844250?
The duty rates for HS code 844250, which covers prepared printing plates, cylinders, and stones, vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, the TARIC system often lists a 0.00% duty rate for many originating goods under this code. The UK Trade Tariff also frequently shows a Free rate for goods from various trading partners. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your goods.
How is the duty for HS code 844250 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 844250 typically depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). If the duty rate is ad valorem, the calculation is: Duty Amount = (Customs Value of Goods) × (Ad Valorem Duty Rate). For instance, if a shipment of prepared printing plates valued at $10,000 is imported into a country with a 3.5% ad valorem duty rate, the duty would be $10,000 × 0.035 = $350. If a specific duty applies, it would be Duty Amount = (Quantity of Goods) × (Specific Duty Rate per Unit).
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 844250?
To be classified under HS code 844250, the goods must be printing components such as plates, cylinders, or lithographic stones that have been specifically prepared for printing purposes. This preparation includes processes like planing, graining, polishing, or etching to make them ready for direct use in a printing press. Unprepared materials, or components for other manufacturing processes, would likely fall under different HS codes.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 844250?
Standard import documentation for HS code 844250 usually 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 origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures if customs authorities request further clarification on the preparation methods of the printing components.
Which trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 844250?
Many trade agreements can impact the duty rates for HS code 844250. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may benefit from preferential or Free trade. Similarly, goods from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union or the United Kingdom often receive reduced or zero duty rates under those agreements. Importers must verify the origin of their goods and consult the relevant trade agreement provisions to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.