HS 844315 Letterpress printing machinery, other than reel fed, excluding flexographic printing
Quick Answer: Letterpress printing machinery, other than reel fed, excluding flexographic printing, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at a rate of Free or 25% ad valorem depending on specific product details. This HS code specifically covers printing machines that use raised type or plates to transfer ink to paper, but excludes those fed from a roll and flexographic printers. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule for the US to determine the applicable rate. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varied rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443150000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443150000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443150000 | 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 844315 cover?
This subheading covers letterpress printing machinery specifically designed for printing using raised type or plates, excluding those that are reel-fed and also excluding flexographic printing machines. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category includes machines where ink is transferred from raised surfaces to the substrate. These are typically sheet-fed machines, often used for shorter print runs or specialized applications where the characteristics of letterpress printing are advantageous.
What falls outside HS 844315?
The following products are excluded from HS 844315: reel-fed letterpress printing machinery, which are classified under HS 844314, and all types of flexographic printing machinery, regardless of whether they are reel-fed or sheet-fed, as these fall under HS 844319. Additionally, offset printing presses (HS 844332), gravure printing presses (HS 844316), and digital printing machines (HS 844332) are not included in this subheading, as they employ fundamentally different printing mechanisms.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844315?
A common error is misinterpreting the "reel-fed" exclusion, leading to the incorrect classification of reel-fed letterpress machines under HS 844315 instead of the correct HS 844314. Another frequent mistake involves confusing letterpress with flexographic printing; flexographic machines, which use flexible relief plates, are always classified elsewhere. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 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 844315?
The correct procedure for classifying printing machinery under HS 844315 involves a detailed examination of the machine's operational principle and feeding mechanism. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the machine utilizes raised type or plates for ink transfer (letterpress) and confirm it is not reel-fed. Consulting the manufacturer's specifications and the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is essential to confirm the absence of flexographic characteristics and reel feeding, ensuring accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844315?
A Heidelberg KORD offset printing press, weighing 2,500 kg and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would not fall under HS 844315. If it were a letterpress machine fitting the description, and assuming a US Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, the duty would be $525.00 USD (3.5% × $15,000). This calculation is based on the ad valorem rate applied to the declared customs value, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844315?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844315, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and agreement, is typically required by customs authorities.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844315 (Letterpress printing machinery, other than reel fed, excluding flexographic printing)?
The import duty rates for HS code 844315 vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry under USMCA. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the import duty for HS 844315 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 844315 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a letterpress printing machine classified under 844315 has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 1.70%, the import duty would be $10,000 \times 0.0170 = $170.00. Ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate based on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure a machine is correctly classified under HS 844315?
To be classified under HS 844315, the printing machinery must primarily use the letterpress printing method. This involves raised printing surfaces that transfer ink directly to the substrate. Crucially, the machinery must not be reel-fed (meaning it uses individual sheets or cut-size paper, not continuous rolls) and must explicitly exclude flexographic printing capabilities. Machines that are sheet-fed and use raised plates for printing, but are not flexographic, fall into this category. Refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for detailed definitions and distinctions.
What documentation is typically required for importing machinery under HS code 844315?
Standard documentation for importing machinery under HS code 844315 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a customs declaration. Depending on the country of import and the specific machine, additional documents such as a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), import licenses, or safety compliance certificates might be required. It is advisable to verify these requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 844315 imports into the United States?
For imports into the United States, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a significant trade agreement that may provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry (0.00%) for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Other trade agreements, such as those with Australia or certain other countries, might also offer reduced or preferential rates. Importers must ensure that the machinery meets the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation.