HS 844312 Offset printing machinery, sheet fed, office type (using sheets with one side not exceeding 22 cm and the other side not exceeding 36 cm in the unfolded state)
Quick Answer: Offset printing machinery, sheet fed, office type, imported under HS 844312 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70%, and the US at Free (MFN) or 25% (other rates may apply). This code specifically covers compact offset printing machines designed for office use, characterized by their ability to process sheets where neither dimension exceeds 22 cm by 36 cm when unfolded. These machines are distinct from larger industrial offset presses. Importers should verify the specific applicable US tariff rate, as the 25% rate may apply depending on the origin of the goods. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, providing a crucial reference for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443120000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443120000 | 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 844312 cover?
This subheading covers offset printing machinery specifically designed for office use, characterized by their sheet-fed operation and limitations on sheet size. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these machines are intended for smaller print runs and typically handle sheets where one dimension does not exceed 22 cm and the other does not exceed 36 cm in their unfolded state. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on compact, desktop-style offset printers for administrative or small-scale commercial applications.
What falls outside HS 844312?
The following products are excluded from HS 844312: larger industrial offset printing presses, web-fed offset printers, digital printing machines, flexographic printers, gravure printers, and any printing machinery that does not meet the specified sheet size limitations. For instance, a high-volume, industrial sheet-fed offset press capable of printing on sheets exceeding 22 cm by 36 cm would be classified under a different subheading within heading 8443, such as 8443.32. Similarly, digital printers, which do not use plates and ink in the traditional offset manner, fall under HS code 8443.32.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844312?
A common error is misinterpreting the "office type" designation and the precise sheet size limitations. Importers may mistakenly classify larger, more robust offset machines that exceed the 22 cm by 36 cm dimension under this subheading, or conversely, classify smaller, non-offset printing devices. Adherence to the specific dimensional criteria and the intended use as an office-type machine, as guided by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), is crucial to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 844312?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 844312 involves a thorough examination of the machine's specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the printing machinery is indeed sheet-fed, operates using offset principles, and strictly adheres to the maximum sheet dimensions of 22 cm by 36 cm. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844312?
A Riso RP3700 duplicator, a type of office-type offset printing machine, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty of $0.00. This is because the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists the MFN duty rate for HS code 8443.12 as 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $1,500 = $0.00. This specific rate is published in Chapter 84, Subheading 8443.12 of the USITC HTS.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844312?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844312, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is generally needed, depending on the importing country's specific requirements.
```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 844312, and how are they calculated?
The duty rate for HS code 844312, 'Offset printing machinery, sheet fed, office type (using sheets with one side not exceeding 22 cm and the other side not exceeding 36 cm in the unfolded state)', varies by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 1.70% ad valorem. To calculate the duty, you multiply the declared customs value of the imported goods by the duty rate. For instance, if a shipment of this machinery is valued at $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 1.70% = $170.00. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
What specific criteria define an 'office type' offset printing machine under HS 844312?
The key defining characteristic for HS 844312 is the size of the paper sheets used. The machine must be designed to print on sheets where neither side exceeds 22 cm in one dimension and 36 cm in the other dimension when unfolded. This typically categorizes smaller, desktop-style offset printers commonly found in office environments, as opposed to larger industrial printing presses. Machines exceeding these sheet size limitations would likely be classified under different HS codes.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreement benefits applicable to HS code 844312?
Preferential duty rates may apply depending on the origin of the goods and applicable trade agreements. For instance, if the offset printing machinery originates from a country that has a free trade agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for imports into the United States from Canada or Mexico), it may qualify for a 0.00% duty rate. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required when importing offset printing machinery classified under HS 844312?
Standard import documentation for HS code 844312 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 importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. It is also advisable to have the manufacturer's specifications or a technical data sheet available to substantiate the classification, particularly regarding the sheet size limitations.
How does the sheet size limitation differentiate HS 844312 from other offset printing machinery codes?
HS code 844312 specifically covers 'office type' offset printing machinery that uses sheets with one side not exceeding 22 cm and the other side not exceeding 36 cm in the unfolded state. Larger offset printing machines, such as those used for commercial printing or publishing, which handle larger paper formats, are classified under different subheadings within HS Chapter 84, often in codes like 8443.32 (for other printers, including offset) or more specific codes if they meet other criteria. The precise sheet size is the critical differentiator for this particular code.