HS 848360 Clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints)
Quick Answer: Clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints) imported under HS 848360 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.8% ad valorem under the MFN rate, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This heading encompasses devices designed to connect rotating shafts, allowing for power transmission while accommodating misalignment or enabling disconnection. Importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping duties or specific country-of-origin requirements that may affect the final duty liability. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8483600000 | — | — | — |
| 8483602000 | — | — | — |
| 8483602010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8483602090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8483608000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8483600000 | — | — | — |
| 8483602000 | — | — | — |
| 8483602010 | — | — | — |
| 8483602090 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8483608000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 848360 | — | — | — |
| 8483604040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8483608000 | 2.8% | Free (19 programs) | ["No."] |
| 84836040 | 2.8% | Free (19 programs) | — |
| 8483604080 | — | — | ["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 8483.60?
Imports of Clutches and shaft couplings (including universal joints) 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 17 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 848360 cover?
This subheading covers clutches and shaft couplings, including universal joints, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These mechanical devices are designed to connect rotating shafts, allowing for the transmission of power. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this category encompasses a wide array of components such as jaw couplings, gear couplings, fluid couplings, and various types of universal joints used in machinery and vehicles, facilitating the transfer of rotational motion and torque between two separate shafts.
What falls outside HS 848360?
The following products are excluded from HS 848360: flexible shafts (classified under 8483.10), ball and roller bearings (classified under 8482), and complete assemblies where the clutch or coupling is an integral part of a larger machine not solely dedicated to power transmission, such as a gearbox (classified under its respective heading). For instance, a clutch integrated into a washing machine's motor assembly would not be classified here but with the appliance itself, and universal joints that are part of a steering column assembly may be classified with the vehicle components.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 848360?
A common error is misclassifying specialized couplings that incorporate additional functions beyond simple power transmission, or failing to distinguish between a complete clutch assembly and its individual components. For example, a magnetic coupling with integrated speed control might be incorrectly classified here instead of under a heading for electrical apparatus. Furthermore, General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for composite goods or GRI 3(c) for goods that cannot be classified by reference to GRI 3(a) or 3(b) must be considered when a product has multiple components or functions, ensuring the essential character is correctly identified.
How should importers classify products under HS 848360?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 848360 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, function, and materials. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Key considerations include determining if the item is solely a clutch or shaft coupling, and if it is a universal joint, confirming its primary purpose is power transmission between shafts. Reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO and any specific national interpretations is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 848360?
A specific example: a set of four industrial-grade steel jaw couplings, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 5.0% × $500 USD = $25.00. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8483.60.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 848360?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 848360, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may offer preferential rates for goods from member countries like Japan or Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with rules of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 848360 (Clutches and shaft couplings)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 848360 generally falls around 2.70% to 2.80% ad valorem in many major economies like the United States and the European Union. However, specific rates can vary. For instance, under the US tariff schedule, the rate is 2.70%. In the EU, the TARIC system may show a similar rate. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate. For example, if importing into the US with a value of $10,000 and a duty rate of 2.70%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.0270 = $270.00.
How do preferential trade agreements affect the duty rates for HS code 848360?
Preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under HS code 848360. For example, many agreements offer duty-free entry (0.00%) for goods originating from partner countries. Examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), often listed with a 'Free' status under specific preferential programs. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for clutches and shaft couplings under HS code 848360?
HS code 848360 covers mechanical devices designed to connect rotating shafts, transmit power, and allow for variations in alignment or to engage/disengage power. This includes:
- Clutches: Devices that engage and disengage power transmission between shafts, such as friction clutches, electromagnetic clutches, and centrifugal clutches.
- Shaft Couplings: Devices that rigidly or flexibly connect two shafts to transmit torque, including rigid couplings, flexible couplings (like jaw couplings or lovejoy couplings), and universal joints (which allow for angular misalignment).
The key is the function of connecting shafts for power transmission. Items that do not perform this primary function, even if related to rotating parts, may be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required for importing clutches and shaft couplings (HS 848360)?
Standard import documentation for HS code 848360 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin is usually required, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin for the specific agreement. In some cases, technical specifications or product brochures might be requested by customs to verify the classification.
Are there any specific exclusions or related HS codes for clutches and shaft couplings that importers should be aware of?
While HS code 848360 is specific to clutches and shaft couplings for power transmission, importers should be aware of related codes. For example, universal joints that are part of a larger assembly, like a steering column or a drive shaft, might be classified with the main assembly. Similarly, components specifically designed for automotive transmissions or drivelines might fall under different headings within Chapter 87 (Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock). Always verify the specific function and context of the item. For instance, a simple flexible hose used for fluid transfer, even if it connects two points, would not be classified here.