HS 854160 Mounted piezo-electric crystals

Quick Answer: Mounted piezo-electric crystals imported under HS 854160 enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the US applies a range of rates, including free entry and a 3.5% ad valorem duty under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This code specifically covers piezo-electric crystals that have been mounted onto a base or substrate, often for use in electronic applications such as oscillators, sensors, or transducers. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate discrepancies between major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on the country of import and the exact nature of the mounted crystal.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8541600000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8541600000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
85416000 Free — —
8541600010 — — ["No."]
8541600020 — — ["No."]
8541600030 — — ["No."]
8541600050 — — ["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?

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What products does HS 854160 cover?

This subheading covers mounted piezo-electric crystals, which are devices that produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, or conversely, deform when an electric field is applied. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these crystals are typically quartz or other suitable materials, cut to specific dimensions and mounted in a housing for protection and electrical connection. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to such mounted crystals intended for use in electronic circuits, oscillators, and transducers, often found in watches, radios, and other electronic devices.

What falls outside HS 854160?

The following products are excluded from HS 854160: unmounted piezo-electric crystals, which are classified under HS 8541600000 (if applicable by specific country's tariff) or a more general heading if not specifically enumerated; and complete electronic circuits or devices that incorporate piezo-electric crystals but are primarily classified by their overall function, such as quartz oscillators (HS 8543) or certain types of sensors. Also excluded are raw piezo-electric materials not yet cut or mounted for use as crystals, and finished goods like watches or radios that contain these components.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 854160?

A common error is misclassifying unmounted piezo-electric crystals as mounted ones, or vice-versa, failing to adhere to the specific wording of the heading. Another mistake involves classifying complex electronic assemblies containing piezo-electric crystals under this heading instead of a more appropriate heading for the complete device, contrary to General Rule of Interpretation 1 of the Harmonized System. Importers may also incorrectly classify finished products like quartz watches (HS 9101 or 9102) under this subheading, overlooking the fact that the finished article takes precedence.

How should importers classify products under HS 854160?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854160 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the crystal is indeed piezo-electric, cut to a specific form, and mounted in a protective housing with electrical connections. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and cross-referencing with WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is advisable.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854160?

A shipment of 10,000 mounted quartz crystals, each weighing 0.5 grams and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00), as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Specific country tariffs may vary, but the ad valorem calculation based on value is common.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854160?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854160, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods from eligible developing countries. For EU/UK preferences, a EUR.1 movement certificate is typically required, while USMCA may necessitate a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 854110 HS 854130 HS 854141 HS 854121 HS 854190 HS 710410

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

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 854160 (Mounted piezo-electric crystals) in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?

The import duty rates for HS code 854160 vary by country. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also Free. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists this code as Free. It is crucial to verify specific preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as these can offer further reductions or exemptions.

What specific criteria determine if a piezo-electric crystal is considered 'mounted' and thus classified under HS 854160?

Under HS code 854160, 'mounted piezo-electric crystals' refers to crystals that have been assembled or fixed into a housing, casing, or support structure. This mounting is typically done to facilitate their use in electronic circuits or devices, such as for oscillation or frequency generation. The crystal itself, whether quartz or another piezoelectric material, must be integrated into a component that is ready for direct application. Unmounted, raw piezo-electric crystal elements would generally fall under a different heading, such as 8541.

What documentation is typically required when importing mounted piezo-electric crystals under HS 854160?

Standard import documentation for HS 854160 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and quantity of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the specific nature of the crystals (e.g., if they are considered critical components for certain industries), a certificate of origin may be required, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or datasheets if requested by customs authorities to confirm the classification.

How are import duties calculated for mounted piezo-electric crystals if a duty rate other than Free were applicable, and can you provide an example?

Import duties are typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the declared value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For HS 854160, assuming a hypothetical scenario where a 5% ad valorem duty applies and the declared value of a shipment of mounted piezo-electric crystals is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500 USD. If a specific duty applied, for example, $0.10 per piece, and 5,000 pieces were imported, the duty would be 5,000 pieces * $0.10/piece = $500 USD. Since most major markets have a Free rate for this code, no duty is typically levied.

Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for mounted piezo-electric crystals (HS 854160) into the US, EU, or UK?

While HS 854160 is generally Free under the MFN tariff for the US, EU, and UK, trade agreements can still be relevant for other reasons, such as simplified customs procedures or potential exemptions from certain taxes or fees. For example, the EU has numerous FTAs with countries like Canada (CETA), Japan, and South Korea, which might offer benefits beyond the standard tariff. The UK has its own set of FTAs post-Brexit, and the US has agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Importers should consult the specific tariff schedules of the importing country and the relevant FTA text to confirm any applicable benefits or requirements.