HS 854310 Particle accelerators

Quick Answer: Particle accelerators imported under HS 854310 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 1.9% (MFN). This HS code covers electrical apparatus for accelerating charged particles, such as cyclotrons and linear accelerators, used in scientific research, medical treatment, and industrial applications. Importers should note the significant variation in US duty rates, with preferential treatment available for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based rates for accurate customs declarations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8543100000 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8543100000 4.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8543100000 1.9% Free (17 programs) ["No."]

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 8543.10?

Imports of Particle accelerators 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 15 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 854310 cover?

This subheading covers particle accelerators, which are scientific instruments designed to propel charged subatomic particles at extremely high speeds. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes devices like cyclotrons and synchrotrons used in research, medical treatment (e.g., radiation therapy), and industrial applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that these sophisticated machines, irrespective of their specific design or intended use, fall under this classification when their primary function is particle acceleration.

What falls outside HS 854310?

The following products are excluded from HS 854310: X-ray generators that do not accelerate particles for the purpose of generating X-rays, but rather use other methods, are classified elsewhere, typically under HS 9022. Similarly, electron microscopes, while utilizing accelerated electron beams, are classified under HS 9012. Devices that generate plasma for industrial processes but do not involve the controlled acceleration of particles to high energies for specific scientific or medical outcomes are also excluded and would be classified based on their specific function and construction.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 854310?

A common error is misclassifying components or accessories of particle accelerators as complete units. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 2(a), an incomplete or unfinished article is classified as if it were the complete article if it has the essential character of the complete article. Importers may also incorrectly classify general-purpose high-voltage power supplies or vacuum systems that are not integral to the particle acceleration process, failing to recognize that the defining characteristic of HS 854310 is the particle acceleration function itself.

How should importers classify products under HS 854310?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854310 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, function, and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Key considerations include whether the device's primary purpose is to accelerate charged particles and if it meets the technical criteria of a particle accelerator, as opposed to other electrical machinery.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854310?

A research-grade linear particle accelerator weighing 5,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $2,500,000 USD would attract a US duty of $125,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,500,000 USD × 0.05 = $125,000 USD). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 854310.9000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854310?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854310, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan. 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 and agreement specifics.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 854320 HS 854390 HS 854330 HS 854370 HS 854071 HS 854340

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 854310 (Particle accelerators)?

Import duty rates for particle accelerators (HS 854310) vary significantly by country. For instance, the United States applies a 4.00% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate. The European Union, under the TARIC system, also has a 4.00% duty rate. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff lists a 1.9% duty rate. Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free access; for example, under certain agreements, rates can be Free for imports from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG). However, some countries may impose higher duties, with rates as high as 35% in specific circumstances. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable rate.

What specific criteria define a 'particle accelerator' for HS classification under 854310?

For classification under HS code 854310, a particle accelerator is generally understood as a machine that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds and energies. This includes devices like linear accelerators (linacs), cyclotrons, and synchrotrons. The key functional element is the acceleration of charged particles (electrons, protons, ions, etc.) for scientific research, medical applications (e.g., radiation therapy), or industrial processes. Equipment that merely generates charged particles without accelerating them to significant energies would likely be classified elsewhere.

What documentation is typically required when importing particle accelerators under HS 854310?

When importing particle accelerators (HS 854310), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country and the specific use of the accelerator, further documentation may be necessary. This could include technical specifications, operating manuals, import licenses or permits (especially if regulated for safety or security reasons), and certificates of origin to claim preferential duty rates. Importers should verify specific requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.

How is the import duty calculated for a particle accelerator valued at $500,000 with a 4.00% ad valorem duty rate?

Import duty for a particle accelerator is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a particle accelerator is valued at $500,000 and the applicable duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Declared Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty Amount = $500,000 × 0.04 = $20,000. This amount is payable to the customs authorities upon import. Note that other taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), may also apply.

Which major trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS 854310?

Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for particle accelerators (HS 854310). For example, the United States has agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) which may offer reduced or zero duties between these North American countries. The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide (e.g., with Canada, Japan, South Korea) that often reduce or eliminate tariffs on such goods. The UK also has a network of FTAs post-Brexit. Importers should check if their country of origin and destination are signatories to an agreement that covers HS 854310 and fulfills the rules of origin requirements to benefit from preferential treatment.