HS 844314 Letterpress printing machinery, reel fed, excluding flexographic printing
Quick Answer: Letterpress printing machinery, reel fed, excluding flexographic printing, enters the UK duty-free at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.2% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically covers large-scale letterpress machines that use rolls of paper, distinct from those using individual sheets or flexographic technology. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available in the US for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin rules for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443140000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443140000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443140000 | 2.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
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 8443.14?
Imports of Letterpress printing machinery, reel fed, excluding flexographic printing 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, GSP, and 14 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 844314 cover?
This subheading covers letterpress printing machinery specifically designed for reel-fed operations, excluding those employing flexographic printing techniques. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses machines that use raised printing plates and ink to transfer images onto paper or other substrates fed from a continuous roll. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are typically large-scale industrial printing presses used for high-volume production of publications, packaging, and other printed materials where continuous feed is essential for efficiency.
What falls outside HS 844314?
The following products are excluded from HS 844314: flexographic printing machinery, which uses flexible relief plates and is classified under a different subheading; sheet-fed letterpress machines; offset printing presses, which are the most common type of printing machinery and fall under heading 844332; digital printing machines; screen printing machines; and any printing machinery not specifically designed for reel-fed letterpress operations. For instance, a typical office printer or a small-scale commercial offset press would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844314?
A common error is misinterpreting the "reel-fed" requirement or confusing letterpress technology with other printing methods. For example, classifying a flexographic reel-fed press under this subheading would be incorrect, as flexography is explicitly excluded. Additionally, failing to distinguish between letterpress and offset printing, especially for machines that might have some overlapping functionalities, can lead to misclassification. 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.
How should importers classify products under HS 844314?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 844314 involves a thorough examination of the machine's technical specifications and operational principles. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the printing method is indeed letterpress, that the machine is designed for continuous reel feeding, and that it does not utilize flexographic printing. Consulting the official tariff schedules 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 844314?
A KBA Rapida 105 reel-fed letterpress printing machine, declared at a customs value of $250,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, the calculated duty would be $8,750 USD ($250,000 × 0.035). This calculation is based on the ad valorem system, where the duty is a percentage of the declared customs value, as stipulated in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844314?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844314, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, a UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable) could offer preferential rates. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically includes a certification of origin provided by the exporter. Specific documentation requirements vary by agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the primary duty rates applicable to HS code 844314 (Letterpress printing machinery, reel fed, excluding flexographic printing)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 844314 is typically 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may benefit from duty-free entry (0.00%). Specific rates can be found in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) or the EU's TARIC database, depending on the importing country. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date rates applicable to your specific import.
How is the import duty for HS 844314 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 844314 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 1.70% and the declared customs value of a reel-fed letterpress printing machine is $100,000, the duty would be calculated as: $100,000 (Customs Value) × 0.0170 (1.70% duty rate) = $1,700. This amount is payable to customs authorities upon import. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to the relevant valuation rules.
What specific criteria distinguish letterpress printing machinery under HS 844314 from other printing machinery?
HS code 844314 specifically covers letterpress printing machinery that is reel-fed. The defining characteristic of letterpress is that the image is raised, and ink is transferred directly from the raised surface to the substrate. 'Reel-fed' indicates that the machinery uses paper or other material supplied from a continuous roll (reel). This classification excludes flexographic printing machinery, which uses a flexible relief plate and is often used for packaging materials. Machinery not meeting these specific criteria, such as sheet-fed letterpress or other types of printing presses (e.g., offset, digital), would be classified under different HS codes.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for imports classified under HS 844314?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 844314. For imports into the United States, agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) or agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or Singapore (SG) may offer reduced or zero duties. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries such as Switzerland (CH) or Norway (NO) might provide benefits. Importers should verify the specific origin of the goods and consult the relevant trade agreement's annexes or the EU's TARIC system or USITC's HTS to confirm eligibility and applicable rates. The presence of 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' in some tariff schedules indicates duty-free entry from specific partner countries under certain conditions.
What documentation is typically required when importing letterpress printing machinery under HS 844314?
When importing letterpress printing machinery under HS 844314, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, proof of origin is crucial if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. This could be a certificate of origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice, depending on the agreement. Depending on the importing country's regulations, importers may also need to provide technical specifications or manuals to confirm the classification. For machinery, safety certifications or compliance documents might also be necessary. Customs brokers should be consulted for a comprehensive list tailored to the specific import country and the trade agreement being utilized.