HS 850171 Photovoltaic DC generators

Quick Answer: Photovoltaic DC generators imported under HS 850171 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.5% ad valorem (MFN rate), with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This HS code specifically covers solar cells and panels designed to generate direct current (DC) electricity. Importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping duties or trade remedies that may apply in certain jurisdictions, as these can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist businesses in navigating international trade regulations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8501710000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8501710000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8501710000 2.5% Free (19 programs) ["No.","W"]

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 8501.71?

Imports of Photovoltaic DC generators 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, 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?

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What products does HS 850171 cover?

This subheading covers photovoltaic DC generators, specifically those designed to convert solar energy directly into direct current electricity. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes solar panels and modules that are the primary components for generating DC power from sunlight. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to the generating units themselves, not integrated systems that include inverters or batteries.

What falls outside HS 850171?

The following products are excluded from HS 850171: complete solar power systems that include inverters for AC conversion, battery storage units, mounting structures, or charge controllers, as these are classified under different headings. Also excluded are solar thermal collectors used for heating water or air, which fall under Chapter 84. Furthermore, individual solar cells not yet assembled into a panel or module, even if functional, may be classified separately depending on their specific form and presentation.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 850171?

A common error is the misclassification of solar panels that are part of a larger, integrated system. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, when goods are presented in sets for retail sale, they are classified according to the component that gives them their essential character. Importers may incorrectly classify a complete solar kit under 850171 when the essential character is derived from the inverter or other integrated components, leading to incorrect duty assessments.

How should importers classify products under HS 850171?

The correct procedure for classifying photovoltaic DC generators under HS 850171 involves a detailed examination of the product's primary function and composition. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is solely a generator of DC power from solar energy. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 850171?

A 300-watt solar panel module, declared at a customs value of $150 USD, would attract a US duty of $0 USD under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists a 0% MFN duty for this specific product. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which for HS 850171 is 0% ad valorem, resulting in a duty of 0% × $150 = $0.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 850171?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 850171, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can also offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 850180 HS 850161 HS 850131 HS 850172 HS 850231 HS 851771

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 850171 (Photovoltaic DC generators)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 850171, covering photovoltaic DC generators, is 0.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Singapore (SG), and others may receive duty-free entry under specific preferential programs. It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine the correct preferential rate. Always consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for definitive rates.

How is the import duty for HS 850171 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 850171 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 0.00%, the duty amount would be $0.00 regardless of the value. However, if a hypothetical scenario with a non-zero duty rate were applied, say 2.5% ad valorem, and the declared customs value of a shipment of photovoltaic DC generators was $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 2.5% of $10,000 = 0.025 * $10,000 = $250.00. It is important to note that other duties or taxes, such as merchandise processing fees or potential antidumping/countervailing duties, may also apply.

What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 850171?

HS code 850171 specifically covers 'Photovoltaic generators, with a power output not exceeding 500 W, of a kind classified in heading 8501'. The primary classification criterion is that the generator must be a photovoltaic device, meaning it converts light energy directly into electrical energy using semiconductor materials. Additionally, its power output must not exceed 500 Watts. Generators exceeding this power output would be classified under different subheadings within 8501. The device must also be a DC (Direct Current) generator. For accurate classification, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 850171?

When importing photovoltaic DC generators under HS code 850171, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the seller, buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit price, and total value; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR), a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin meeting the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or datasheets to substantiate the classification and power output of the generators if requested by customs authorities.

Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 850171, and how can importers benefit?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 850171. For imports into the United States, agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) may offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from these regions. Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Singapore (SG), and South Korea (KR), also provide preferential treatment, often resulting in 0.00% ad valorem duty. To benefit, importers must ensure the photovoltaic DC generators meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, typically a Certificate of Origin, completed by the exporter.