HS 854330 Machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresis
Quick Answer: Machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis imported under HS 854330 enter the UK at rates including 0.00% and 2.00%, the EU at rates including 0.00% and 3.70%, and the US at rates including Free and 2.6%. This classification covers equipment designed for applying metallic or non-metallic coatings through electrochemical processes, or for separating substances using electric currents. Importers should verify specific national tariff lines for precise duty application, as rates can vary based on subheadings and origin. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8543300000 | — | — | — |
| 8543304000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8543307000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8543300000 | — | — | — |
| 8543304000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8543307000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8543302000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 85433090 | 2.6% | Free (17 programs) | [""] |
| 8543309080 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 854330 | — | — | [] |
| 8543309040 | — | — | ["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 8543.30?
Imports of Machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresis 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 14 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 854330 cover?
This subheading covers machines and apparatus specifically designed for electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis. 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 TARIC, this includes equipment that uses electrical energy to deposit a coating of metal onto a conductive surface (electroplating), to decompose a compound by passing an electric current through it (electrolysis), or to separate molecules based on their electrical charge and size (electrophoresis). Examples include electroplating tanks, electrolytic cells for chemical production, and electrophoresis apparatus for laboratory use.
What falls outside HS 854330?
The following products are excluded from HS 854330: general electrical apparatus not specifically designed for electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis, such as simple power supplies or rectifiers that are not integrated into a dedicated system for these processes. Also excluded are machines for surface treatment that do not involve these specific electrical phenomena, like sandblasting equipment or simple cleaning machines. For instance, a general-purpose laboratory centrifuge, while used in scientific applications, would not be classified here but under its own heading, typically 9027.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854330?
A common error is misclassifying general electrical equipment as specialized apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis. This often occurs when a component, such as a power supply unit, is classified separately instead of as part of a complete machine. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, mixtures or composite goods are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character, meaning the complete electroplating unit should be classified under 854330, not its individual parts.
How should importers classify products under HS 854330?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854330 involves a thorough examination of the machine's primary function and design. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. They should verify that the apparatus is explicitly designed for electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis, ensuring it performs one of these specific electrical processes, and not a more general function.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854330?
A laboratory electrophoresis unit weighing 5 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) 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 8543.30.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854330?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854330, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement is typically required for USMCA, while a GSP Form A or similar origin certificate is often necessary for GSP benefits.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 854330 (Machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresis)?
Import duty rates for HS code 854330 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system may show rates around 2.00% ad valorem for goods from certain countries, while others might be Free. The UK Trade Tariff also lists specific rates, often around 0.00% or 2.6% ad valorem depending on the origin. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment's origin.
How is the import duty for HS 854330 calculated? Can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS 854330 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 machine for electroplating valued at $10,000 is imported into the US, and the MFN duty rate is 3.70%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 3.70% (Duty Rate) = $370.00. Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit) or a combination, but ad valorem is most common for this classification.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that commonly affect HS code 854330?
Yes, preferential duty rates under various trade agreements can significantly impact the duty payable for HS code 854330. For example, goods originating from countries that are part of the EU's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may enter the EU at reduced or zero duty rates, as indicated in the TARIC database. Similarly, shipments qualifying under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or other US FTAs might benefit from preferential treatment. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these benefits.
What are the key criteria for classifying a machine under HS code 854330?
The primary criterion for classification under HS code 854330 is the machine's function: it must be designed for and primarily used in processes involving electroplating, electrolysis, or electrophoresis. This includes equipment that uses electric current to deposit a layer of metal onto a substrate (electroplating), to decompose chemical compounds using electricity (electrolysis), or to separate molecules based on their charge and size using an electric field (electrophoresis). Apparatus that performs other functions, even if electrical, would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required when importing machines classified under HS code 854330?
When importing machines under HS code 854330, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a detailed description of the machine's function and technical specifications is necessary to support the HS classification. If claiming preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin or other acceptable proof of origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country and the specific type of machine, safety certifications or import permits might also be required.