HS 844317 Gravure printing machinery
Quick Answer: Gravure printing machinery imported under HS 844317 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70%, and the US at 2.2% (with preferential rates available). This classification covers machines and apparatus used for printing by the gravure process, a method where ink is transferred from recessed cells on a printing cylinder to the substrate. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates in the US for goods originating from specific Free Trade Agreement partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying tariff burdens across major markets for this specialized printing equipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443170000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443170000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8443170000 | 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 8443.17?
Imports of Gravure printing machinery 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 844317 cover?
This subheading covers gravure printing machinery, specifically machines and apparatus for printing by means of gravure. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes rotary gravure presses and sheet-fed gravure presses designed for printing on paper, paperboard, plastics, textiles, or other substrates using engraved cylinders. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, encompassing machines primarily used for the intaglio printing process where ink is held in recessed cells on an engraved cylinder.
What falls outside HS 844317?
The following products are excluded from HS 844317: flexographic printing machinery (HS 844314), offset printing machinery (HS 844313), screen printing machinery (HS 844319), and digital printing machinery (HS 844332). Also excluded are printing machinery for specific applications such as printing on circuit boards (HS 844339) or for textile printing not using gravure cylinders. Machines primarily for printing currency or security documents may also fall under different headings if they possess specialized security features beyond standard gravure printing capabilities.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844317?
A common error is misclassifying gravure printing machinery with other types of printing equipment, particularly flexographic or offset presses, due to superficial similarities in function. This often arises from not accurately identifying the core printing mechanism. For instance, confusing the engraved cylinder of gravure with the raised image carrier of flexography can lead to incorrect classification. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System is crucial for determining the essential character of the machine.
How should importers classify products under HS 844317?
The correct procedure for classifying gravure printing machinery under HS 844317 involves a thorough examination of the machine's operational principle and its primary printing method. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the machine utilizes engraved cylinders to transfer ink to the substrate. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844317?
A hypothetical "Bobst G-850 Gravure Printing Press" declared at a customs value of $500,000 USD, intended for import into the United States, would attract a US duty of $25,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 5.0% × $500,000 = $25,000. This rate applies to goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844317?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844317, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying gravure printing machinery originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. For imports into the European Union from certain countries, preferential rates may be available under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Documentation typically required includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin for North American trade or a GSP Form A for eligible developing countries.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844317 (Gravure printing machinery)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 844317, 'Gravure printing machinery,' can vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the general rate is 1.70%. However, preferential rates are often available for goods imported from countries with which a trade agreement is in place. For instance, imports from Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). Always verify the specific rate applicable to your country of origin and destination using official tariff databases like the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
How is the import duty for gravure printing machinery calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for gravure printing machinery (HS 844317) is typically 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 you import a gravure printing machine valued at $100,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $100,000 (Value) × 1.70% (Duty Rate) = $1,700 USD. It's crucial to ensure your customs value is accurately determined according to international valuation rules (e.g., WTO Valuation Agreement).
What are the key classification criteria for gravure printing machinery under HS code 844317?
HS code 844317 specifically covers 'Gravure printing machinery.' The key classification criterion is the printing method: the machine must use engraved cylinders to transfer ink to the substrate. This distinguishes it from other printing machinery like offset (8441) or flexographic (844314) printers. Machinery designed for printing on textiles, paper, or other materials using the gravure process falls under this code. Ensure the machine's primary function is gravure printing to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required when importing gravure printing machinery under HS code 844317?
When importing gravure printing machinery (HS 844317), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, you may also need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries might require specific safety or conformity certificates for industrial machinery. Consult the customs authority of the importing country for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 844317?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for gravure printing machinery (HS 844317). For instance, the United States has agreements with countries like South Korea (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement), Australia, and Singapore, which often result in duty-free entry (0.00%) for eligible goods. The European Union's trade agreements with partners like Canada (CETA) or Japan (EPA) may also offer reduced or zero duties. Importers should always check the specific terms and rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement to confirm eligibility and claim preferential treatment.