HS 854720 Insulating fittings of plastics
Quick Answer: Insulating fittings of plastics imported under HS 854720 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 30% ad valorem. This classification covers components made from plastic materials designed to prevent the passage of electricity, such as insulators, bushings, and terminal blocks used in electrical equipment. Importers and customs brokers should note the significant duty rate disparity between major trading blocs. According to CustomTariffs data, accurate classification is crucial for determining the correct tariff liability. Exporters should be aware of these varying import duties when planning shipments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8547200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8547200000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8547200000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 854720 cover?
This subheading covers insulating fittings of plastics, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. These are articles of plastics used for electrical insulation purposes, such as bushings, connectors, and terminal blocks, designed to prevent electrical current leakage or short circuits. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category specifically excludes insulating fittings made from materials other than plastics.
What falls outside HS 854720?
The following products are excluded from HS 854720: insulating fittings made from materials other than plastics, such as ceramics or glass, which would be classified under different headings. Additionally, complete electrical apparatus incorporating insulating components, or articles of plastics that are not primarily designed for electrical insulation, are excluded. For instance, plastic housings for electrical devices that do not serve an insulating function would be classified elsewhere, often under Chapter 85 or Chapter 39 depending on their specific nature.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854720?
A common error is misclassifying insulating fittings made from composite materials or those that are not exclusively of plastics. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly assign items to 854720 if they are primarily made of plastic but have a secondary function, or if they are part of a larger electrical assembly rather than standalone insulating fittings.
How should importers classify products under HS 854720?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854720 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the article is indeed made of plastics and its primary function is electrical insulation. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or UK Trade Tariff, is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854720?
A shipment of 1,000 plastic cable glands, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value: 7.0% × $500 USD = $35.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, where HS code 854720 typically carries a standard MFN rate for such items.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854720, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also provides for preferential rates, potentially leading to duty-free status for originating goods between the EU and the UK. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 854720, 'Insulating fittings of plastics'?
The import duty rates for HS code 854720 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general (MFN) duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. In the EU, under the TARIC system, the rate can be 0.00% or higher depending on the origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often with preferential rates for goods originating from countries with which the UK has a trade agreement. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS 854720?
To be classified under HS code 854720, 'Insulating fittings of plastics,' the goods must meet specific criteria. Primarily, they must be designed for electrical insulation purposes and manufactured from plastics. This includes items such as insulating sleeves, bushings, connectors, and other fittings that are essential for preventing the flow of electricity in electrical installations. The material composition (plastics) and the function (electrical insulation) are the decisive factors. Items that are primarily structural or protective without a significant insulating function, or those made from materials other than plastics, would likely be classified elsewhere.
How is the import duty for HS 854720 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 854720 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate for the United States is 3.70% ad valorem, and you import a shipment of plastic insulating fittings with a declared customs value of $10,000, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 3.70% (Duty Rate) = $370.00 (Import Duty). Some countries may also have specific duties based on quantity (e.g., per piece or per kilogram), or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 854720?
When importing goods classified under HS code 854720, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets that confirm the material (plastics) and the insulating function of the fittings, should customs authorities request them for verification of classification.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 854720 imports?
The applicability of preferential duty rates for HS code 854720 depends heavily on the specific trade agreements in place between the exporting and importing countries. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may benefit from reduced or zero duties when imported into the United States, Canada, or Mexico, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, imports into the European Union from countries with an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) or Association Agreement may qualify for preferential treatment. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU is another example. Importers must consult the relevant trade agreement and ensure their goods meet all stipulated rules of origin to benefit from these preferential rates.