HS 847960 Evaporative air coolers
Quick Answer: Evaporative air coolers imported under HS 847960 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70%, and the US at 2.8% (MFN rate). This classification covers machines and mechanical appliances whose primary function is to cool air by evaporation. These devices typically use water to cool air, often incorporating a fan and a water-soaked medium. Importers should be aware that the US offers preferential duty rates for goods from specific Free Trade Agreement partner countries. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479600000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479600000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8479600000 | 2.8% | 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 8479.60?
Imports of Evaporative air coolers 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 847960 cover?
This subheading covers evaporative air coolers, also known as swamp coolers. These machines function by drawing in warm, dry air and passing it over water-saturated pads. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling it. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category is for machines that cool air through the process of water evaporation, typically incorporating a fan and a water reservoir. These units are distinct from air conditioners that use refrigerants.
What falls outside HS 847960?
The following products are excluded from HS 847960: air conditioners that utilize refrigeration cycles (classified under 8415), humidifiers that add moisture to the air without significant cooling (classified under 8475 or 8509 depending on type), fans that simply circulate air without evaporation (classified under 8414), and dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air (classified under 8475). Devices that combine evaporative cooling with other functions, such as refrigeration, may also be classified elsewhere based on their principal function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 847960?
A common error is misclassifying evaporative coolers as air conditioners. This mistake often arises from a superficial understanding of the cooling mechanism. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Evaporative coolers cool by evaporation, while air conditioners use refrigerants. Another mistake is classifying portable evaporative coolers designed for personal use under consumer electronics headings if they lack the primary function of air cooling through evaporation.
How should importers classify products under HS 847960?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 847960 involves a thorough examination of the product's operational principle. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the unit's primary function is to cool air through water evaporation. This requires consulting product specifications, user manuals, and potentially the manufacturer's declaration. Cross-referencing with the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial to confirm the correct subheading and any associated requirements.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 847960?
A portable evaporative cooler weighing 10 kg and declared at a customs value of $150 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($150 USD × 10% = $15.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8479.60. If the product had a specific duty component, the calculation would differ.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 847960?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 847960, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may be eligible for a 0% duty rate. Countries such as Mexico and Canada benefit from this preferential rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement meeting specific criteria is typically required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the general import duty rates for HS code 847960, 'Evaporative air coolers'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for evaporative air coolers under HS code 847960 can vary by country. For example, in the United States, the general rate is 1.70% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system may show a range of rates, often starting around 2.8% ad valorem, but subject to specific product details and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also lists specific rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How are preferential duty rates applied to evaporative air coolers (HS 847960) under trade agreements?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry (0.00%) for goods originating from partner countries. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule indicates that goods from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA - under USMCA), Chile (CL), Mexico (MX - under USMCA), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for preferential treatment, potentially including free entry, provided they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreements. Importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS 847960 as 'Evaporative air coolers'?
To be classified under HS 847960, the product must be a machine or mechanical appliance operating on the principle of evaporation to cool air. This typically involves a fan to draw air through a water-saturated medium (like a honeycomb pad or filter). The primary function must be air cooling through this evaporative process, distinguishing it from air conditioners that use refrigeration cycles. Machines that primarily humidify or filter air, without significant cooling via evaporation, would likely fall under different HS codes.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for an evaporative air cooler (HS 847960)?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings in 100 units of evaporative air coolers, each with a declared value of $50 USD, into the United States. The MFN duty rate for HS 847960 is 1.70% ad valorem. The total value of the shipment is 100 units * $50/unit = $5,000 USD. The import duty would be calculated as: 1.70% of $5,000 USD = 0.0170 * $5,000 = $85.00 USD. This is the ad valorem duty payable.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing evaporative air coolers (HS 847960)?
Beyond the standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, importers of evaporative air coolers (HS 847960) should be prepared to provide product specifications that clearly demonstrate the evaporative cooling mechanism. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's regulations, compliance with safety standards (e.g., electrical safety certifications) might also be required. Customs brokers should verify specific requirements with the destination country's customs authority.