HS 844313 Other offset printing machinery
Quick Answer: Other offset printing machinery imported under HS 844313 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem. This classification covers printing machines that use the offset principle, where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. It specifically excludes machines for printing on paper or paperboard in rolls or sheets that are part of a continuous process with other machines (e.g., paper-making machinery) and machines for printing on other materials. Importers should verify specific product functionalities against the detailed descriptions in the relevant customs tariff schedules. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying duty burdens across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443130000 | — | — | — |
| 8443133200 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8443133400 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8443131000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8443133800 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443130000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8443131000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8443133200 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8443133400 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 8443133800 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443130000 | 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 844313 cover?
This subheading covers other offset printing machinery, specifically those that operate by transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes machines designed for printing, inking, and paper feeding, but excludes machines primarily for other functions. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, generally encompassing sheet-fed and web-fed offset presses not specifically classified elsewhere in heading 8443.
What falls outside HS 844313?
The following products are excluded from HS 844313: printing machinery for offset printing that is part of a larger machine (e.g., a printing unit integrated into a bookbinding machine), flexographic printing presses, gravure printing presses, screen printing apparatus, and digital printing machines. For instance, a digital inkjet printer used for direct-to-garment printing would be classified under a different heading, typically 8443.32, as it does not utilize the offset printing principle.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844313?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform offset printing but are designed for specialized applications, such as printing on textiles or packaging, which may fall under more specific headings if their primary function is clearly defined. Another mistake involves confusing offset presses with other types of printing machinery, such as flexographic or gravure presses, which have distinct operational principles and are classified separately according to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 844313?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 844313 involves a thorough examination of the machine's operational principle, specifically verifying if it uses an offset printing method involving an intermediate blanket. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Comparing the technical specifications of the machine against the descriptions within heading 8443 and its subheadings is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844313?
A Komori Lithrone S40 offset printing press, declared at a customs value of $500,000 USD and weighing 25,000 kg, would attract a US duty of $25,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 5% of $500,000 USD = $25,000 USD. This rate applies to imports from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844313?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844313, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted) or existing preferential arrangements could lead to reduced duties. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA, and potentially a EUR.1 movement certificate for other agreements, depending on the specific jurisdiction and product origin.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844313, 'Other offset printing machinery'?
Import duty rates for HS code 844313 vary by country. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate. The European Union, under the TARIC system, also generally has a 0.00% duty rate for this classification. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff typically lists a 0.00% duty rate. However, it is crucial to verify the specific rate applicable to the importing country and any applicable trade agreements, as rates can change and preferential agreements may offer reduced or free entry.
How is HS code 844313 defined, and what types of machinery fall under 'Other offset printing machinery'?
HS code 844313 covers offset printing machinery not specified elsewhere in heading 8443. This typically includes machines that use the principle of offset lithography, where the image is transferred from a plate to a blanket, and then to the printing surface. This category is for offset presses that do not fit into more specific subheadings, such as those for sheet-fed or web-fed offset printing presses, if such more specific codes exist and are applicable. The key is the lithographic principle and the offset transfer method.
What documentation is typically required when importing machinery classified under HS 844313?
When importing machinery under HS code 844313, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the machinery, additional documents may be required, such as a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, import licenses, or declarations of conformity with safety standards. It is advisable to consult the customs authorities of the importing country for a comprehensive list.
How is the import duty for HS 844313 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The calculation of import duty depends on the duty rate applied by the importing country. If the duty is an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value), the calculation is straightforward. For instance, if a country applies a 1.70% ad valorem duty on offset printing machinery classified under HS 844313, and the declared customs value of the imported machinery is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 USD (Customs Value) × 1.70% (Duty Rate) = $170 USD (Duty Amount). If the duty is based on a specific rate (e.g., per unit), the calculation would involve multiplying the rate by the quantity.
Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, affect the duty rates for HS code 844313?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying machinery originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a 0.00% duty rate when imported into the United States. Similarly, various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the European Union and third countries, or agreements involving the UK, can provide for reduced or eliminated tariffs on goods like offset printing machinery if they meet the rules of origin stipulated in those agreements. Importers must ensure they have the proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.