HS 851920 Apparatus operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment
Quick Answer: Apparatus operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment imported under HS 851920 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at rates ranging from 4.50% to 9.50%, and the US at 35% under the MFN rate. This HS code encompasses a variety of automated dispensing machines and entertainment devices that require payment for operation, such as vending machines for goods, coin-operated amusement machines, and automatic ticket dispensers. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity between the US and other major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of checking specific national tariff schedules for precise classification and applicable duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8519200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8519201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8519209100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8519209900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8519209910 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8519200000 | — | — | — |
| 8519201000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 8519209100 | 9.50 % | — | — |
| 8519209900 | 4.50 % | — | — |
| 8519209910 | 4.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8519200000 | 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 851920 cover?
This subheading covers apparatus for the reproduction of sound that are operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens, or other means of payment. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, this includes items such as coin-operated record players, jukeboxes, and vending machines dispensing audio media, provided their primary function is sound reproduction and they are activated by a payment mechanism. These devices are designed for public use where payment is required to access the audio content.
What falls outside HS 851920?
The following products are excluded from HS 851920: apparatus for sound reproduction not operated by a payment mechanism, which would typically fall under HS 851981 or 851989. Also excluded are vending machines whose primary function is not sound reproduction, such as those dispensing beverages or merchandise, which are classified under Chapter 84. Furthermore, devices that merely accept payment but do not reproduce sound, or those where sound reproduction is a secondary function, are not classified here. For instance, a coin-operated arcade game with sound is classified based on its primary function, not the payment mechanism.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 851920?
A common error is misclassifying complex electronic devices where sound reproduction is a secondary function. For example, a coin-operated arcade machine that plays music while you play the game would not be classified under 851920 if its primary function is gaming. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for goods consisting of different materials or components, or GRI 3(c) for goods that cannot be classified by reference to GRI 3(a) or 3(b), is crucial. Importers may also incorrectly classify devices that accept payment but do not reproduce sound, or vice versa.
How should importers classify products under HS 851920?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851920 involves a thorough examination of the apparatus's primary function and its method of operation. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the device is designed for sound reproduction and if it is activated by a recognized means of payment such as coins, banknotes, or cards. Consulting the official Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is essential. Providing detailed product descriptions and operational manuals to customs authorities aids in accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851920?
A coin-operated karaoke machine weighing 50 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 × 0.10 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8519.20.90. It's important to note that specific rates can vary by country and may be subject to additional taxes or fees.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851920?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851920, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Japan and Australia. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction's requirements and the product's origin.
```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 851920, and how can I find preferential rates?
Import duty rates for HS code 851920, 'Apparatus operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by other means of payment,' vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, rates can range from 0.00% to 9.50% ad valorem, depending on the specific product and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varied rates. To determine the applicable preferential rate, importers must consult the relevant trade agreement between the importing country and the country of origin. This often requires a Certificate of Origin and adherence to Rules of Origin specific to the agreement. Always check the latest tariff schedules of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 851920?
The primary classification criterion for HS code 851920 is the method of operation. The apparatus must be designed to operate, dispense, or provide a service upon activation by a specific means of payment, such as coins, banknotes, bank cards, or tokens. This distinguishes them from simple electronic devices. Examples include vending machines for beverages or snacks, ticket dispensers, and automated payment kiosks. The apparatus's primary function must be linked to the acceptance or validation of payment before dispensing goods or services.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 851920?
Standard import documentation is generally required for goods under HS code 851920. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Specific product certifications or safety compliance documents might also be required by the importing country's regulatory bodies.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 851920, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 851920 is typically calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value (ad valorem) or sometimes a combination of value and quantity (compound duty). For example, if an apparatus classified under HS 851920 has an import duty rate of 5.00% ad valorem, and the declared customs value of the shipment is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.05 (Duty Rate) = $500 USD. Always verify the specific duty calculation method (ad valorem, specific, or compound) and the correct customs value basis (e.g., CIF - Cost, Insurance, and Freight) as per the importing country's regulations.
Which common trade agreements might offer reduced or zero duty rates for HS code 851920, and what are the implications?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS code 851920. For instance, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may provide preferential treatment for goods originating within these North American countries. Similarly, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the EU and various partner countries, or the UK's FTAs post-Brexit, can reduce or eliminate duties. The implication of these agreements is that importers can benefit from lower landed costs by demonstrating that the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin stipulated in the agreement. This often requires a valid Certificate of Origin and proper record-keeping to substantiate the claim.