HS 844311 Printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders and other printing components of heading 8442
Quick Answer: Printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components of heading 8442 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70%, and the US at rates ranging from 3.3% to 25%, with certain preferential trade agreements allowing for duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers offset printing machinery, gravure printing presses, and flexographic printing presses that utilize plates or cylinders for the transfer of ink. Importers should be aware of potential variations in US duty rates based on the country of origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates for each transaction.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443110000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443111000 | 3.3% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 8443115000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 844311 | — | — | — |
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 8443.11?
Imports of Printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders and other printing components of heading 8442 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, and 15 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?
What products does HS 844311 cover?
This subheading covers printing machinery specifically designed for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components of heading 8442. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes and the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this includes offset printing presses, gravure printing presses, and flexographic printing presses that utilize these specialized printing elements to transfer ink to a substrate. The primary function must be printing using these defined components.
What falls outside HS 844311?
The following products are excluded from HS 844311: printing machinery that does not use plates, cylinders, or other printing components of heading 8442, such as inkjet printers (typically classified under 8443.32) or 3D printers (classified under 8485). Also excluded are machines for printing on textiles directly without plates or cylinders, and machines for printing serial numbers or other identification marks on products, which often fall under different headings like 8472 or 8456.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844311?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform printing functions but do not exclusively rely on the plate or cylinder mechanisms described in heading 8442. For instance, digital printing presses that operate without traditional plates or cylinders are generally classified elsewhere, often under 8443.32. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 844311?
The correct procedure for classifying printing machinery under HS 844311 involves a thorough examination of the machine's operational mechanism. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the machine utilizes plates, cylinders, or other printing components as defined in heading 8442. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO is essential for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844311?
A Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102 offset printing press, weighing 15,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $250,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $12,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($250,000 USD × 0.05 = $12,500). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844311?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844311, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a compliant origin declaration is required; for GSP, a GSP Form A is typically needed.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844311?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 844311, which covers printing machinery using plates, cylinders, or other printing components of heading 8442, is generally 3.3% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, rates can be Free (0.00%) for countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) under specific agreements. It is crucial to consult the latest tariff schedule for the importing country to determine the applicable rate based on the origin of the goods.
How is the import duty for HS 844311 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 844311 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 3.3% and the declared value of the printing machinery is $10,000, the import duty would be $10,000 \times 0.033 = $330. If a specific duty rate is applicable (e.g., per unit), the calculation would be rate per unit \times number of units. Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the relevant customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for printing machinery under HS 844311?
The primary classification criterion for HS code 844311 is that the printing machinery must be designed for printing by means of plates, cylinders, or other printing components of heading 8442. This typically includes offset printing presses, gravure printing presses, and flexographic printing presses. Machinery that prints by other methods, such as inkjet or laser, would fall under different HS codes. Verification of the machine's technical specifications and intended use is essential for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required when importing printing machinery classified under HS 844311?
When importing printing machinery under HS code 844311, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country and the specific type of machinery, compliance with safety standards or specific import licenses might also be required. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs authority for a comprehensive list of requirements.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 844311, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS 844311. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) that may offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union's trade agreements and the UK's Global Tariff also list preferential rates for various partner countries. To benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess a valid certificate of origin. This can significantly reduce landed costs.