HS 846261 Cold metal working presses
Quick Answer: Metalworking presses designed for cold working operations imported under HS 846261 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 4.4% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically covers hydraulic or mechanical presses used to shape metal without prior heating, such as those for stamping, bending, or drawing. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific trade agreements, particularly in the US market where certain countries benefit from duty-free entry. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying the applicable rate for each shipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8462610000 | — | — | — |
| 8462611000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8462619000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8462610000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8462611000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8462619000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84626140 | 4.4% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8462614060 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8462618030 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 846261 | — | — | — |
| 8462614030 | — | — | ["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 8462.61?
Imports of Cold metal working presses 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 846261 cover?
This subheading covers hydraulic or pneumatic metal-working presses, specifically those designed for cold working. 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's TARIC, this category includes machines that shape or form metal at ambient temperatures using hydraulic or pneumatic power. Examples include bending machines, straightening machines, and stamping presses, provided they operate on cold metal and utilize fluid pressure for their mechanical action.
What falls outside HS 846261?
The following products are excluded from HS 846261: metal-working presses that operate using mechanical force (e.g., eccentric or friction presses), those designed for hot working of metal, and machines primarily used for other operations such as cutting, drilling, or grinding. For instance, a mechanical forging press, a hot rolling mill, or a plasma cutting machine would be classified under different headings within Chapter 84, as they do not meet the criteria of cold working presses powered by hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 846261?
A common error is misclassifying mechanical presses as hydraulic or pneumatic ones, or vice versa. General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify machines that perform multiple functions, failing to identify the principal function as cold metal working via hydraulic or pneumatic means, leading to misclassification under headings for general-purpose machinery or tools.
How should importers classify products under HS 846261?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 846261 involves a thorough examination of the machine's operational principle and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the press utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic power for its pressing action and if it is designed for cold working of metal. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes from the WCO are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 846261?
A hydraulic metal-forming press weighing 5,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $150,000 USD would attract a US duty of $7,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 5.0% × $150,000 = $7,500. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 846261?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 846261, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying presses originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Similarly, the EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin declaration.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 846261, 'Hydraulic metal working presses'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 846261, which covers hydraulic metal working presses, is typically 2.70% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the US-Korea FTA (KORUS), the rate can be Free (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin.
How is the duty calculated for HS 846261, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 846261 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if a hydraulic metal working press is valued at $100,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 2.70%, the calculated duty would be $100,000 * 0.0270 = $2,700 USD. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to the transaction value method, as per CBP regulations.
What specific documentation is required when importing hydraulic metal working presses under HS 846261?
When importing hydraulic metal working presses (HS 846261), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Additionally, depending on the country of origin and any claimed preferential treatment, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures that confirm the machine's function as a hydraulic metal working press, especially if classification is questioned by customs authorities.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 846261, and what are the general conditions?
Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS 846261. For example, under agreements like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for a 0.00% duty rate. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must ensure the hydraulic metal working press meets the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement and possess a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter or producer.
What distinguishes a 'hydraulic metal working press' (HS 846261) from other metal working machinery classified elsewhere?
HS code 846261 specifically covers hydraulic metal working presses. The key distinguishing factor is the use of hydraulic power to generate the force for shaping, bending, stamping, or cutting metal. Presses that use mechanical (e.g., eccentric, friction screw) or pneumatic power, or machines that perform different primary metalworking operations (like shearing, punching, or drilling without the primary pressing action), would likely be classified under different subheadings within Chapter 84. Verification often relies on the machine's primary function and the power source utilized.