HS 851821 Loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures
Quick Answer: Loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures, imported under HS 851821 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a duty-free rate under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, though a 35% tariff may apply depending on specific circumstances. This HS code encompasses a wide range of audio output devices, from individual speaker drivers to complete speaker systems housed within cabinets. Importers should be aware that while the primary MFN rates in these major markets are favorable, potential additional duties or trade restrictions could apply to certain origins or types of loudspeakers. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8518210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8518210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8518210000 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 851821 cover?
This subheading covers individual loudspeakers, whether or not they are already mounted within their own enclosures. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this category includes acoustic diaphragm devices designed to convert electrical energy into sound energy, irrespective of whether they are sold as standalone components or as integrated units within a housing designed for their protection and mounting.
What falls outside HS 851821?
The following products are excluded from HS 851821: complete sound reproducing systems such as stereo systems or home theater systems where the loudspeaker is only one component of a larger, integrated unit, and complete audio-visual apparatus. Also excluded are speaker components that are not designed to produce sound on their own, such as speaker drivers without their associated enclosures or amplifiers, and items like headphones or earphones, which are classified under HS 851830.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 851821?
A common error is misclassifying complete audio systems or speaker sets as individual loudspeakers under 851821. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System often applies to composite goods, meaning that if a product consists of different materials or components that give it its essential character, it should be classified according to that essential character. For example, a complete soundbar with integrated amplifier and multiple speaker drivers is typically classified as an apparatus for the reproduction of sound, not as individual loudspeakers.
How should importers classify products under HS 851821?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851821 involves a detailed examination of the product's characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the item is solely a loudspeaker unit, with or without its enclosure, and not part of a more complex audio system. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes for Heading 8518 is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the product's specific features and function.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851821?
A pair of "Bookshelf Speakers" weighing 5 kg and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($200 USD × 0.05 = $10.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 851821.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851821?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851821, 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. For goods originating in the European Union, the EU-US Trade Agreement (though not fully implemented for goods) would theoretically offer preferential rates. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically includes a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement. For EU preferences, a EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice is usually necessary.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851821 (Loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures)?
Import duty rates for HS code 851821 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 3.5% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is often 0.00% ad valorem for goods originating from countries with a trade agreement. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, with some preferential rates being Free (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate.
How is the duty for HS 851821 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 851821 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of loudspeakers (HS 851821) has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 3.5% (like the US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $350.00. Always ensure the customs value is determined according to the WTO Valuation Agreement or the importing country's specific valuation rules.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 851821?
HS code 851821 covers 'Loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures.' The primary criterion is that the product must be designed to convert electrical energy into sound energy. This includes individual speaker drivers, as well as complete loudspeaker systems housed within their cabinets or enclosures. Products that are primarily components of other goods, or that have a different principal function (e.g., headphones, which fall under 851830), would not be classified here. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing loudspeakers from related items.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 851821?
Standard import documentation for HS code 851821 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and origin, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical datasheets to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities. Compliance with any specific product safety or marking regulations (e.g., CE marking in the EU, FCC in the US) is also essential.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, affect the duty rates for HS 851821?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS 851821 if the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if loudspeakers are manufactured in a country that is party to a Free Trade Agreement with the importing country (e.g., USMCA between the US, Mexico, and Canada, or an EU FTA), and they satisfy the regional value content or tariff shift requirements, they may qualify for preferential duty rates, often 0.00% ad valorem. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin and be able to prove the goods' origin to benefit from these reduced rates.