HS 846242 Punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines
Quick Answer: Punching, notching, or nibbling machines for flat products, including combined punching and shearing machines, imported under HS 846242 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from 4.4% to 30% ad valorem, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification covers machinery designed to create holes or shapes in flat materials like sheet metal, excluding larger press-type machines. Importers should verify specific MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates and any applicable preferential duty rates based on the country of origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist with compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8462420000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8462420000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84624200 | 4.4% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8462420080 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8462420040 | — | — | ["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 8462.42?
Imports of Punching, notching or nibbling machines (excluding presses) for flat products including combined punching and shearing machines 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 846242 cover?
This subheading covers machines specifically designed for punching, notching, or nibbling flat metal products, excluding those classified as presses. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these machines perform operations that remove material to create holes or shapes. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes machines that utilize dies and punches or shearing mechanisms to achieve these results on sheet metal and similar flat materials, such as combined punching and shearing machines.
What falls outside HS 846242?
The following products are excluded from HS 846242: machines classified as presses (which typically apply force over a larger area or perform forming operations), machines for working on non-flat products, and machines that perform operations other than punching, notching, or nibbling, such as bending or cutting machines not integrated into a combined punching and shearing function. For instance, a standalone metal brake (HS 846229) or a guillotine shear (HS 846239) would be classified elsewhere, as would machines for working on tubes or bars.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 846242?
A common error is misclassifying machines that are primarily presses but also have punching capabilities under this subheading, contrary to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, which prioritize the essential character of the machine. Importers may also incorrectly classify machines that perform multiple operations, such as bending and punching, if the punching function is not the predominant or essential characteristic. Furthermore, confusing machines for flat products with those for other shapes can lead to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 846242?
The correct procedure for classifying machines under HS 846242 involves a thorough examination of the machine's primary function and design. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official nomenclature, including the WCO Explanatory Notes, and the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). Key considerations include whether the machine is a press, whether it operates on flat products, and if its principal operation is punching, notching, or nibbling. Technical specifications and operational manuals are crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 846242?
A TRUMPF S 250 punch press, weighing 5,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $50,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 846242. The calculation is: 2.5% of $50,000 USD = $1,250.00. This rate applies to goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 846242?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 846242, 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 products 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 846242?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 846242, covering punching, notching, or nibbling machines for flat products (excluding presses), is 2.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the applicable trade agreement to determine the exact duty rate. Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
How is the duty calculated for a machine classified under HS 846242?
The duty for HS code 846242 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a punching machine valued at $50,000 is imported into the US under the MFN rate of 2.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $50,000 (Value) × 0.0270 (Duty Rate) = $1,350. Always ensure the customs value is accurately declared according to the WTO Valuation Agreement principles.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 846242, and how does it differ from presses?
HS code 846242 specifically covers machines that perform punching, notching, or nibbling operations on flat products. The critical distinction from 'presses' (often classified under 846210 or 846221) lies in the mechanism of operation. Presses typically use a ram or slide to apply force, often for bending, stamping, or deep drawing. Punching, notching, and nibbling machines under 846242 are designed for cutting or creating holes/shapes through the material, often with a reciprocating punch or a rotary cutter action. The WCO Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing these machine types.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 846242, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 846242. For example, imports from countries like Australia (AU), Japan (JP), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from reduced or free duties under specific FTAs, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin or a declaration by the exporter, as stipulated by the respective trade agreement. Always verify the specific requirements for each agreement and country of origin. Source: EU TARIC database for EU trade agreements, UK Trade Tariff for UK agreements.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond the commercial invoice and packing list for importing machines under HS 846242?
While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard, importing machinery under HS 846242 may require additional documentation depending on the importing country's regulations and the machine's specifications. This can include: a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), technical specifications or brochures detailing the machine's function to confirm classification, and potentially safety certifications or compliance documents (e.g., CE marking for imports into the EU). Customs brokers should verify these requirements with the importing country's customs authority.