HS 845690 Other
Quick Answer: Machines and apparatus for working materials by laser or other light beam, electron beam or plasma beam, and ultrasonic, water jet, or similar processes, imported under HS 8456.90, enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.50%, and the US at rates ranging from 3.5% to 30%, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This "Other" category within Chapter 84.56 captures machines not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings, such as those for surface treatment or cutting. Importers should consult specific tariff schedules for precise rates and potential preferential treatment. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456900000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456900000 | 3.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8456903100 | 3.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 845690 | — | — | — |
| 8456907100 | 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 8456.90?
Imports of Other 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 15 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 845690 cover?
This subheading covers machines for working any material by laser or other light beam, electron beam, ion beam or plasma arc, not elsewhere specified within Heading 8456. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes specialized equipment for cutting, welding, drilling, or surface treatment where the primary working medium is a laser, electron beam, ion beam, or plasma arc, and these machines are not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings of 8456. For example, certain laser engraving machines or plasma cutting apparatus not fitting other descriptions fall here.
What falls outside HS 845690?
The following products are excluded from HS 845690: machines for working materials by laser or other light beam, electron beam, ion beam or plasma arc that are specifically covered in other subheadings of Heading 8456, such as those for working metal or ceramics. Additionally, machines that use mechanical means for cutting or shaping, or those where the primary working medium is not a laser, electron beam, ion beam, or plasma arc, are classified elsewhere. For instance, waterjet cutting machines (HS 8456.30) or mechanical milling machines (Chapter 84, typically 8457) are not included.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 845690?
A common error is misinterpreting the primary working medium or the material being worked. For instance, classifying a machine that primarily uses mechanical abrasion but also incorporates a laser for marking as a laser working machine. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a machine's function is primarily mechanical, even with ancillary laser capabilities, it may be excluded from 8456.90.
How should importers classify products under HS 845690?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 845690 involves a detailed examination of the machine's operational principle and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the machine utilizes a laser, electron beam, ion beam, or plasma arc as its primary working medium and that it is not specifically provided for in other subheadings of Heading 8456. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, and reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 845690?
A plasma cutting machine for working metals, weighing 500 kg and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,050.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for a similar item under 8456.90. The calculation is $15,000 (declared value) × 0.07 (duty rate) = $1,050.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 845690?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 845690, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can achieve a duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, for goods originating from countries benefiting from the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a GSP Form A may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates, which can also be Free for eligible products.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the general import duty rate for HS code 845690?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 845690, which covers 'Other' machines for working materials by laser or other light, ion or plasma beam, water jet, etc., is typically 3.50% ad valorem. However, specific rates can vary based on the importing country's tariff schedule. For instance, the USITC Schedule B provides a 3.5% ad valorem duty for this classification.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 845690 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS code 845690 under various free trade agreements (FTAs). For example, under the US system, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from a Free duty rate, provided they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective FTAs. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 845690 calculated if the value is $10,000 USD?
The duty is calculated based on the ad valorem rate applied to the customs value of the imported goods. If the MFN duty rate is 3.50% and the customs value of the goods is $10,000 USD, the duty amount would be $350 USD ($10,000 × 0.035). It is crucial to use the correct customs value, which typically includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the port of importation.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 845690?
When importing goods under HS code 845690, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description of goods, quantity, unit price, and total value; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and potentially a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are being claimed. Depending on the specific machine and its application, additional certifications or licenses related to safety standards or export controls might also be necessary.
What distinguishes HS code 845690 ('Other') from other subheadings within 8456?
HS code 845690 is a residual category for machines and apparatus for working materials by laser or other light, ion or plasma beam, or water jet processes, that are not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8456. For example, 8456.10 covers machines using laser, and 8456.30 covers machines using ion or plasma beam. If a machine does not fit into these more specific categories, it would be classified under 8456.90. Careful examination of the machine's primary working method is essential for correct classification.