HS 847230 Machines for sorting or folding mail or for inserting mail in envelopes or bands, machines for opening, closing or sealing mail and machines for affixing or cancelling postage stamps
Quick Answer: Machines for sorting or folding mail, inserting mail into envelopes or bands, opening, closing, sealing mail, and affixing or cancelling postage stamps imported under HS 847230 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.20% ad valorem, and the US at 1.8% ad valorem (MFN rate), with duty-free entry from various preferential trade partners. This classification encompasses automated postal processing equipment. Importers and customs brokers should note the significant duty rate variations across major markets, impacting landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in trade compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8472300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8472300000 | 2.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8472300000 | 1.8% | 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 8472.30?
Imports of Machines for sorting or folding mail or for inserting mail in envelopes or bands, machines for opening, closing or sealing mail and machines for affixing or cancelling postage stamps 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 847230 cover?
This subheading covers machines specifically designed for the automated processing of mail. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC, this includes devices for sorting mail by address or destination, folding documents for insertion into envelopes, and machines that automatically insert mail into envelopes or secure it with bands. It also encompasses machines for opening, closing, sealing, and affixing or cancelling postage stamps on mail items, streamlining postal operations.
What falls outside HS 847230?
The following products are excluded from HS 847230: general-purpose office machines that may perform some of these functions incidentally, such as basic folding machines (often classified under 847290 if not specifically for mail) or simple envelope sealers (which might fall under 847290). Furthermore, standalone postage stamp affixing machines that are not integrated into a mail processing system, or machines for franking (imprinting postage) rather than affixing stamps, are typically classified elsewhere, often under heading 847290.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 847230?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform multiple functions. If a machine's primary purpose is mail sorting or insertion, but it also has a secondary function like printing addresses, it should still be classified under 847230, provided the mail processing function is dominant. Conversely, if the primary function is printing and mail handling is secondary, it might be classified elsewhere. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) regarding the essential character of the good is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 847230?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 847230 involves a detailed examination of the machine's primary function and capabilities. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Identifying whether the machine is specifically designed for sorting, folding, inserting, opening, closing, sealing, or affixing/cancelling postage stamps on mail is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 847230?
A Pitney Bowes DM220 postage meter, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD and weighing 20 kg, would attract a US duty of $45.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 3.0% × $1,500 = $45.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 847230?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 847230, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying mail processing machines originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 847230?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 847230, covering machines for sorting, folding, inserting, opening, closing, sealing mail, and affixing/cancelling postage stamps, can vary. For example, the U.S. tariff rate is 2.20% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free under specific conditions outlined in their respective Free Trade Agreements. Always verify the specific country of origin and applicable trade agreement for the most accurate duty assessment.
How is the import duty for HS code 847230 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 847230 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 shipment of mail sorting machines valued at $10,000 is imported into the U.S. and the MFN duty rate is 2.20%, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.0220 (Duty Rate) = $220.00. It's crucial to ensure the declared customs value is accurate and includes all assessable costs as per customs regulations.
What specific criteria determine if a machine falls under HS code 847230?
HS code 847230 applies to machines specifically designed for the primary functions of handling mail. This includes sorting mail by destination, folding letters for insertion, inserting mail into envelopes or bands, opening or closing mail, sealing mail, and affixing or cancelling postage stamps. Machines that perform these functions as their principal purpose are classified here. If a machine has a secondary function, such as general office document processing, but its main design and use are for mail handling, it would still fall under this heading. Consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for detailed interpretations.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS code 847230?
While the primary documentation for importing goods under HS code 847230 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill, specific requirements may depend on the country of import and any applicable trade agreements. Importers should be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures that clearly demonstrate the machine's functionality and confirm its classification. If claiming preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin or other proof of origin documentation, as stipulated by the relevant trade agreement (e.g., USMCA, EU Free Trade Agreements), will be mandatory. Always check the importing country's customs authority website for the most up-to-date and specific documentation requirements.
How do trade agreements like the USMCA or EU agreements impact the duty rates for HS 847230?
Trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS code 847230 by often providing for reduced or eliminated tariffs on qualifying goods. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying machinery originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry into the U.S. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide, which can grant preferential tariff treatment. To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin criteria specified in the agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation. The U.S. ITC and EU TARIC databases are excellent resources for identifying applicable preferential rates based on the country of origin.