HS 847940 Rope- or cable-making machines
Quick Answer: Rope- or cable-making machines imported under HS 847940 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates of Free or 35% ad valorem depending on specific product details. This classification specifically covers machinery designed for the production of ropes, cables, and similar cordage from various materials such as natural or synthetic fibers, metal wire, or combinations thereof. These machines are essential for industries ranging from maritime and construction to telecommunications. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific national tariff schedules for precise duty rates and any applicable preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479400000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479400000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 847940 cover?
This subheading covers machines specifically designed for the manufacture of rope or cable. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes machines that twist, braid, or otherwise interlace fibers, wires, or strands to form ropes or cables. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to equipment dedicated to this singular purpose, such as stranding machines and braiding machines used in rope and cable production.
What falls outside HS 847940?
The following products are excluded from HS 847940: machines for making other textile articles, such as weaving looms (HS 8446) or knitting machines (HS 8447), and machines for processing individual threads or wires before they are incorporated into a rope or cable, such as winding machines or spooling machines not integral to the rope-making process. Also excluded are general-purpose machinery that may be adapted for rope-making but are not specifically designed for it, and machines for producing wire rope unless their primary function is the final assembly of the rope itself.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 847940?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform preparatory or finishing operations on ropes or cables, rather than the actual formation of the rope or cable itself. For instance, machines solely for cutting, coiling, or packaging finished ropes might be incorrectly placed under this heading. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, classification should be based on the essential character of the product. If a machine's primary function is not the creation of the rope or cable structure, it likely belongs to a different heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 847940?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 847940 involves a thorough examination of the machine's design, function, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO. It is crucial to determine if the machine's sole or principal purpose is the manufacturing of rope or cable, distinguishing it from machines that perform ancillary functions or are designed for other textile manufacturing processes.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 847940?
A 500 kg industrial rope-making machine, declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,250. 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: $25,000 (declared value) × 0.05 (duty rate) = $1,250. This specific rate applies to imports from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements, assuming no other special provisions are met.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 847940?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 847940, 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. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction's requirements.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 847940 (Rope- or cable-making machines)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 847940, 'Rope- or cable-making machines', is 1.70% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may enter duty-free. It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate. Always consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and accurate information.
How is the import duty for HS 847940 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 847940 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a rope-making machine is valued at $100,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 1.70%, the import duty would be $100,000 USD * 1.70% = $1,700 USD. Ensure that the declared value is the customs value, which generally includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the port of entry.
What are the key classification criteria for machines falling under HS code 847940?
HS code 847940 specifically covers 'Rope- or cable-making machines'. The primary criterion for classification is the machine's principal function: its ability to produce rope, cordage, or cable by twisting, braiding, or similar processes. This includes machines for manufacturing wire rope, synthetic fiber ropes, and natural fiber ropes. Machines that perform ancillary functions but whose main purpose is rope or cable production will fall under this heading. Machines for manufacturing other products, even if they involve twisting or braiding, would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required when importing machines classified under HS code 847940?
When importing machines under HS code 847940, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the country of origin and the specific type of machinery, other documents like import licenses, safety certifications (e.g., CE marking for the EU), or technical specifications might be requested by customs authorities. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker or the importing country's customs agency for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 847940 imports into the United States?
The United States has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that could provide preferential duty rates, potentially including duty-free entry, for machines classified under HS code 847940. Common examples include agreements with countries like Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and previously under NAFTA. Other FTAs with countries like Australia, Chile, South Korea, and Singapore may also offer reduced or zero duties. To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the respective FTA and possess a valid certificate of origin. Always refer to the official text of the trade agreement and the HTSUS for definitive eligibility criteria.