HS 860730 Hooks and other coupling devices, buffers, and parts thereof
Quick Answer: Hooks and other coupling devices, buffers, and parts thereof, for railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock, imported under HS 860730 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US with varying rates depending on specific product details. This classification specifically covers components used for connecting railway vehicles, such as couplers, drawbars, and shock absorbers, as well as their constituent parts. Importers should be aware that the US market has multiple tariff lines within this code, necessitating precise classification to determine the exact duty. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in accurate declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8607300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8607300000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 860730 | — | — | — |
| 8607301010 | ["kg"] | ||
| 8607301050 | ["kg"] | ||
| 8607305000 | 2.6% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 86073010 | 3.6% | Free (17 programs) | — |
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 8607.30?
Imports of Hooks and other coupling devices, buffers, and parts thereof 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 860730 cover?
This subheading covers hooks and other coupling devices specifically designed for railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, or vehicles, as well as buffers and parts thereof. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes components essential for connecting railway cars and absorbing impact forces during operation. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to items such as automatic couplers, drawbars, buffer springs, and their associated components, provided they are intended for use in railway applications.
What falls outside HS 860730?
The following products are excluded from HS 860730: general-purpose hooks and coupling devices not specifically designed for railway or tramway vehicles, such as those used in industrial lifting or general cargo handling. Similarly, standard automotive coupling systems, towing hitches for road vehicles, and general shock absorbers not integrated into railway buffer systems are classified elsewhere. For instance, industrial crane hooks fall under Chapter 84, and automotive trailer hitches are typically found in Chapter 87.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 860730?
A common error is the misclassification of general industrial hooks or automotive coupling components as railway-specific parts. This often occurs when the intended use is not clearly established or when components are generic in appearance. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure that the product's design and intended application unequivocally align with the specific requirements for railway or tramway rolling-stock as defined in Chapter 86.
How should importers classify products under HS 860730?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 860730 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, materials, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and cross-reference with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 8607. Verification of whether the item is a hook, coupling device, buffer, or a part thereof specifically for railway or tramway locomotives and rolling-stock is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 860730?
A shipment of 500 kg of railway buffer springs, declared at a customs value of $10,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($10,000 USD × 10% = $1,000.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 8607300000 for parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling-stock. Specific duty rates may vary by importing country.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 860730?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 860730, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 860730 (Hooks and other coupling devices, buffers, and parts thereof) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 860730 generally carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from Canada or Mexico under the USMCA may have a 0.00% duty rate. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) published by the USITC for the most current and specific rates based on country of origin and any applicable trade programs.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 860730?
The duty for HS code 860730 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of coupling devices valued at $10,000 is imported into the U.S. with an MFN duty rate of 1.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.0170 (duty rate) = $170.00. Always ensure your declared value is accurate and includes all assessable charges as per customs regulations.
What specific items are covered under HS code 860730?
HS code 860730 covers hooks, coupling devices (such as drawbars, couplers, and their components), buffers (like shock absorbers and their parts), and other similar equipment specifically designed for railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, or vehicles. This includes parts and accessories that are exclusively or principally used with these railway components. It does not typically cover general-purpose hooks or couplings not intended for railway applications.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS code 860730?
While specific documentation can vary by country and the nature of the goods, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods. A packing list is also standard. For preferential duty claims under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA), a certificate of origin or a declaration of origin is usually required, certifying that the goods meet the rules of origin. Technical specifications or product brochures may also be requested by customs to verify classification.
How do trade agreements like the USMCA affect the duty rates for HS code 860730?
Trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties. For HS code 860730, if the goods meet the specific rules of origin stipulated by the USMCA, they can be eligible for a 0.00% duty rate when imported into the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. This requires proper documentation, such as a valid Certificate of Origin, to substantiate the claim. Importers must verify that their specific goods qualify based on regional value content and other criteria outlined in the agreement.