HS 850433 Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA
Quick Answer: Transformers with a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US at 1.6% ad valorem (MFN). This classification applies to a wide range of medium-sized transformers used in power distribution and industrial applications. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available under Free Trade Agreements for certain origins, as indicated by the US tariff data. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8504330000 | — | — | — |
| 8504330010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8504330090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8504330000 | — | — | — |
| 8504330010 | — | — | — |
| 8504330090 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85043300 | 1.6% | Free (20 programs) | — |
| 8504330040 | — | — | ["No.","kg"] |
| 8504330020 | — | — | ["No.","kg"] |
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 8504.33?
Imports of Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA 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 850433 cover?
This subheading covers static converters, including voltage regulators, with a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category primarily includes transformers designed for specific electrical power applications within this defined capacity range. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are electrical transformers and inductors used in power distribution and conversion systems, excluding those with lower or higher power ratings.
What falls outside HS 850433?
The following products are excluded from HS 850433: transformers with a power handling capacity of 16 kVA or less, which are classified under HS 850431, and those exceeding 500 kVA, classified under HS 850434. Also excluded are inductors (HS 8504.50), rectifiers (HS 8504.40), and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) which, if they contain transformers, are often classified based on their primary function under HS 8504.40 if the UPS function is dominant.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 850433?
A common error is misinterpreting the "power handling capacity" which is the critical factor for distinguishing between subheadings within 8504.3. Importers may incorrectly use the physical size or voltage rating instead of the kVA rating. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Failure to accurately ascertain the kVA rating, often found on the product's nameplate or technical specifications, leads to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 850433?
The correct procedure for classifying transformers under HS 850433 involves first identifying the product as a static converter or transformer. Next, the importer or customs broker must determine the precise power handling capacity in kVA, referencing the manufacturer's specifications or nameplate. This kVA rating must then be compared against the thresholds for subheadings 8504.31, 8504.32, 8504.33, and 8504.34 to ensure it falls within the 16 kVA to 500 kVA range.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 850433?
A 100 kVA single-phase distribution transformer declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 5.0% × $2,500 = $125.00. This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 8504.33.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 850433?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 850433, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, transformers originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a preferential rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) offering reduced or Free duty rates, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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 8504.33, covering transformers with a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 8504.33 can vary significantly by country. For example, the United States typically applies a 3.70% ad valorem duty. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is often 1.6% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists rates, which can differ. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable at the time of import.
How is the classification of a transformer under HS code 8504.33 determined, specifically regarding the 'power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA' criterion?
The classification under HS code 8504.33 is primarily determined by the transformer's rated power handling capacity, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). This code specifically covers transformers with a capacity greater than 16 kVA and less than or equal to 500 kVA. Importers must ensure the product's specifications clearly state this kVA rating. If a transformer has multiple windings, the capacity is generally based on the output winding. Always refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) for detailed guidance on determining power handling capacity.
What documentation is typically required when importing transformers classified under HS code 8504.33?
Standard import documentation for HS code 8504.33 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, the invoice must clearly state the transformer's power handling capacity in kVA to support the HS classification. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed. Electrical safety certifications or compliance statements might also be necessary in some jurisdictions.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for transformers classified under HS code 8504.33?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 8504.33. For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from reduced or zero duties. The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Canada, which can lead to preferential rates. The UK also has a network of FTAs post-Brexit. Importers should verify the rules of origin for the specific agreement and ensure their goods qualify to claim these benefits, which often result in 'Free' or significantly lower duty rates compared to the MFN rate.
How is the import duty calculated for a transformer under HS code 8504.33, using the US rate as an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 8504.33 is typically based on an ad valorem rate, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the US MFN duty rate is 3.70% and an importer brings in a transformer valued at $10,000, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0370 (Duty Rate) = $370.00 (Import Duty). It is essential to use the correct customs value, which usually includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight (CIF) up to the point of importation, and to apply the precise duty rate applicable to the origin of the goods and the importing country's tariff schedule.