HS 845611 Operated by laser or other light or photon beam processes
Quick Answer: Machines and apparatus for working materials by laser or other light or photon beam processes imported under HS 845611 enter the US at 3.5% ad valorem (MFN), the EU at 0.00% ad valorem, and the UK at 0.00% ad valorem. This code specifically covers machines that utilize laser or other light or photon beams to cut, engrave, weld, or otherwise process materials. Trade considerations include varying preferential duty rates for certain trading partners in the US. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific tariff schedules for precise rates and any applicable footnotes or special provisions, as detailed by CustomTariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456110000 | — | — | — |
| 8456119000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 8456111000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456110000 | — | — | — |
| 8456111000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8456119000 | 4.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84561110 | 3.5% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8456111050 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8456119000 | 2.4% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 845611 | — | — | — |
| 8456111010 | — | — | ["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 8456.11?
Imports of Operated by laser or other light or photon beam processes 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, and 16 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 845611 cover?
This subheading covers machines and apparatus for the working of materials by laser or other light or photon beam processes, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes. This includes laser cutting machines, laser welding machines, and laser engraving machines that utilize light beams to alter or shape materials. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category specifically pertains to the direct application of light energy for material processing, distinguishing it from machines that merely use light for measurement or inspection.
What falls outside HS 845611?
The following products are excluded from HS 845611: machines that use other energy sources for material working, such as plasma, water jets, or electron beams, even if they perform similar functions. For instance, plasma cutting machines are classified under HS 845630, and waterjet cutting machines fall under HS 845690. Machines that use light for purposes other than material working, such as optical scanners or laboratory equipment for analysis, are also excluded and would be classified in other headings based on their specific function and design.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 845611?
A common error is misclassifying machines that incorporate laser technology but where the laser is not the primary means of material working. For example, a machine that uses a laser for marking or etching as a secondary function, with the primary operation being mechanical removal, might be incorrectly classified here. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable by similitude or by parts, the classification is determined by the essential character of the goods, which in this case must be the laser or light beam process itself.
How should importers classify products under HS 845611?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 845611 involves a thorough examination of the machine's primary operational principle. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO HS Nomenclature, the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), and any relevant Explanatory Notes. Verification of whether the material working is achieved directly by a laser or other light/photon beam is crucial. If the machine's function is primarily material removal or alteration through light energy, then HS 845611 is likely applicable.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 845611?
A laser engraving machine for metal, weighing 500 kg and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($15,000 USD × 10% = $1,500.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 845611.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 845611?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 845611, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a 0% duty rate for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) can offer reduced or duty-free entry for qualifying goods from certain developing countries, with rates often at 0%. 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 for customs declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 845611, which covers machines operated by laser or other light or photon beam processes?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 845611 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general rate is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are often available. For instance, goods from countries with specific trade agreements may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the latest HTS or relevant national tariff schedule for the precise rate applicable to your country of origin.
How is the import duty for HS code 845611 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 845611 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a laser machining center classified under 845611 has a customs value of $100,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 4.00%, the import duty would be $100,000 * 0.04 = $4,000. Always ensure the customs value is determined according to the valuation rules of the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure a machine falls under HS code 845611?
The primary criterion for classifying a machine under HS code 845611 is that its principal function must be the working of materials (such as cutting, drilling, engraving, welding, etc.) through the application of a laser or other light or photon beam. The machine must use this beam as the primary means of material processing. Machines that use lasers for inspection or measurement, or where the laser is a secondary function, would likely be classified elsewhere.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 845611, and what documentation is needed?
Trade agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or agreements with countries like South Korea (KORUS) can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry (0.00%). To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter, certifying that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. Always verify the specific requirements of the applicable trade agreement.
Are there specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and bill of lading for importing machines under HS code 845611?
While a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list are standard, importing machines under HS code 845611 may require additional documentation. This can include a technical specification sheet detailing the machine's operating principles (confirming laser/photon beam operation), a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), and potentially safety certifications or declarations depending on the importing country's regulations for industrial machinery. Consulting with a customs broker is advisable to ensure all necessary documents are prepared.