HS 845620 Operated by ultrasonic processes
Quick Answer: Machines and apparatus for working materials by ultrasonic processes enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.50%, and the US with rates varying from 2.4% to 35%, with many countries enjoying duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers machinery that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to perform operations such as cutting, drilling, cleaning, or welding on various materials. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country rates and any applicable preferential trade agreements for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456200000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456200000 | 3.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 845620 | — | — | — |
| 8456201010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8456205000 | 2.4% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 84562010 | 3.5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8456201050 | — | — | ["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 8456.20?
Imports of Operated by ultrasonic 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, 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 845620 cover?
This subheading covers machines and apparatus for working materials by ultrasonic processes, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. This includes equipment that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to perform operations such as cutting, drilling, welding, cleaning, or surface treatment on various materials, including metals, plastics, and textiles. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the use of ultrasonic energy as the primary working mechanism.
What falls outside HS 845620?
The following products are excluded from HS 845620: machines that use other forms of energy for material working, such as laser cutting machines (HS 845610), water jet cutting machines (HS 845630), or electrically operated machines for surface hardening (HS 845690). Also excluded are ultrasonic cleaning apparatus not designed for material working (often classified under Chapter 84, but in different headings) and simple ultrasonic transducers or generators that are not integrated into a functional machine for material processing.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 845620?
A common error is misclassifying machines that incorporate ultrasonic components but where the primary working principle is not ultrasonic. For instance, a machine that uses ultrasonic vibration to assist a mechanical cutting tool might be incorrectly classified under HS 845620 if the mechanical action is dominant. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, classification should be based on the essential character of the product, which in this case must be the ultrasonic process itself.
How should importers classify products under HS 845620?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 845620 involves a thorough examination of the machine's operational principles and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the material working is achieved primarily through ultrasonic processes. Reviewing technical specifications, operational manuals, and consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes or national tariff databases like the UK Trade Tariff is crucial to confirm the application of ultrasonic energy as the principal means of material manipulation.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 845620?
A specific ultrasonic welding machine for plastics, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the duty would be calculated as 3.7% of $5,000, resulting in a duty amount of $185.00 USD. This calculation is based on the declared value of the imported goods.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 845620?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 845620, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying 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, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 8456.20, which covers machines operated by ultrasonic processes?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 8456.20 can vary. For example, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists a rate of 2.4% ad valorem for this classification. However, preferential duty rates are often available for goods imported from countries with which the U.S. has trade agreements. These can include rates such as Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG), indicating zero duty under specific preferential programs. Always consult the latest HTS or relevant trade agreement text for the most current and applicable rates based on the country of origin.
How is the duty for HS code 8456.20 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for machines classified under HS code 8456.20 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For instance, if a machine operated by ultrasonic processes is valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 2.4%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.024 (Duty Rate) = $240 USD. If a specific duty or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties applies, the calculation would be adjusted accordingly. Always verify the specific duty basis (e.g., ad valorem, specific, compound) with the official tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for classifying a machine under HS code 8456.20?
The primary criterion for classifying a machine under HS code 8456.20 is that its principal function or operation is performed using ultrasonic processes. This means the machine utilizes high-frequency sound waves to achieve its intended purpose, such as cleaning, cutting, welding, or machining. It is crucial to distinguish these from machines that may incidentally use ultrasound but whose primary operation relies on other methods. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (HS) provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO) can offer further guidance on the scope and interpretation of this heading.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 8456.20 into the United States?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for machines classified under HS code 8456.20 when imported into the United States. These include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA - under USMCA), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), South Korea (KR), Mexico (MX - under USMCA), and Singapore (SG), among others. The 'Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG)' notation in the tariff schedule indicates countries that may benefit from duty-free entry under specific trade pacts. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreements to qualify for these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 8456.20?
When importing machines operated by ultrasonic processes under HS code 8456.20, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation; and a customs entry summary. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin meeting the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures that confirm the ultrasonic operation of the machine if requested by customs authorities for verification of classification.