HS 844512 Combing machines
Quick Answer: Combing machines imported under HS 844512 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates of Free to 40% ad valorem. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers machines designed for the combing of textile fibers, a process that aligns and separates fibers to remove short ones and prepare them for spinning. Importers and customs brokers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, which may necessitate careful consideration of sourcing and potential trade agreements. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8445120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8445120000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8445120000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 844512 cover?
This subheading covers combing machines, which are specialized textile machinery designed to arrange textile fibers into parallel alignment and remove short fibers. 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, these machines are integral to the spinning process, preparing sliver for further drafting and spinning into yarn. They operate by using a series of combs or pins to separate and align fibers, ensuring a uniform and high-quality output for subsequent textile manufacturing stages.
What falls outside HS 844512?
The following products are excluded from HS 844512: carding machines (HS 844520), which prepare fibers but do not achieve the same level of parallelization and short fiber removal as combing machines; drawing machines (HS 844530), which further draft and parallelize sliver; and spinning machines (HS 844540), which convert sliver into yarn. Also excluded are machines for preparing fibers by other means, such as opening or scouring machines, which fall under HS 844519, and machines for winding, reeling, or unreeling yarn, which are classified in HS 844540.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 844512?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform multiple functions. For instance, a machine that combines carding and combing operations might be incorrectly classified solely as a combing machine if its primary function, as determined by General Interpretative Rule 3, is not combing. Importers must carefully assess the principal function of the machine. Another mistake is confusing combing machines with drawing machines, which have distinct operational principles and purposes in the textile manufacturing chain, leading to incorrect duty rates.
How should importers classify products under HS 844512?
The correct procedure for classifying textile machinery under HS 844512 involves a detailed examination of the machine's operational characteristics and its place in the textile production flow. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to confirm the precise definition of a combing machine. Verification of the machine's primary function, its technical specifications, and its intended use in preparing fibers for spinning is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 844512?
A Rieter Combing Machine, model J 70, weighing 10,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $250,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $12,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($250,000 USD × 0.05 = $12,500). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 844512?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 844512, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a Form A certificate of origin is generally needed.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 844512 (Combing machines)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 844512, covering combing machines for textile fibers, is typically 1.70% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and relevant FTA documentation to confirm the applicable rate for your specific import.
How is the import duty for HS code 844512 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 844512 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a combing machine is valued at $50,000 and the MFN duty rate is 1.70%, the duty amount would be calculated as: $50,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $850. Importers must ensure accurate valuation and declare the correct customs value to the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 844512, and what distinguishes it from similar codes?
HS code 844512 specifically covers 'Combing machines' used in the preparation of textile fibers. The primary function of these machines is to separate individual fibers and arrange them into a parallel sliver, removing short fibers (noils). This distinguishes them from other machines in Chapter 84, such as carding machines (844511) which perform an initial carding process, or drawing frames (844520) which further process slivers. The machine's design and its specific role in the textile fiber preparation sequence are critical for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 844512?
When importing combing machines (HS 844512), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country's regulations, specific safety certifications or technical compliance documents might also be requested. It is advisable for importers and customs brokers to verify the exact requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 844512, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements could offer preferential duty rates for HS code 844512. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or bilateral FTAs with countries such as Australia or Chile might provide reduced or zero duty rates if the combing machines meet the rules of origin. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, demonstrating that the goods originate from a country party to the agreement. The specific rules of origin for HS 844512 under each agreement must be consulted, often available on the USITC (United States International Trade Commission) website or through the exporting country's trade authority.