HS 880212 Of an unladen weight exceeding 2 000 kg
Quick Answer: Aircraft of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 30% ad valorem. This HS code specifically covers helicopters with an unladen weight greater than 2,000 kg. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity between major trading blocs, particularly the higher rate in the United States. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance. Exporters should be aware of these varying tariff treatments when planning shipments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802120000 | — | — | — |
| 8802120010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8802120090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802120000 | — | — | — |
| 8802120010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8802120090 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88021201 | Free | — | — |
| 8802120140 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8802120180 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8802120120 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8802120160 | — | — | ["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 880212 cover?
This subheading covers helicopters and other aircraft of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to official definitions, this includes fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft that are not powered by an engine, as well as those powered by engines, provided their empty weight surpasses the 2,000 kg threshold. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide specific interpretations and examples within this category, often detailing aircraft used for commercial transport, military operations, or specialized purposes.
What falls outside HS 880212?
The following products are excluded from HS 880212: aircraft with an unladen weight of 2,000 kg or less, which are classified under HS 880211. Also excluded are spacecraft, balloons, dirigibles, and gliders, as these fall under different headings within Chapter 88. Furthermore, parts and accessories of aircraft are typically classified separately under HS 8803, unless they are integral to the aircraft itself and imported as part of the complete unit. Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may also be classified elsewhere depending on their specific characteristics and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 880212?
A common error is misinterpreting the "unladen weight" criterion, leading to incorrect classification between HS 880211 and 880212. Importers may confuse unladen weight with maximum takeoff weight or gross weight. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. It is crucial to consult the aircraft's specifications for its empty weight, not its operational capacity, to ensure accurate classification under the correct subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 880212?
The correct procedure for classifying aircraft under HS 880212 involves a meticulous review of the aircraft's official specifications, specifically its unladen weight. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a certificate of airworthiness or manufacturer's specifications detailing this precise metric. Cross-referencing this weight with the definitions provided by the WCO, USITC HTS, or EU TARIC is essential. If the unladen weight exceeds 2,000 kg, the aircraft falls under HS 880212; otherwise, it should be classified under HS 880211.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 880212?
A Boeing 737-800 aircraft weighing 41,413 kg unladen and declared at a customs value of $50,000,000 USD would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because aircraft of this type, when imported into the United States, are generally subject to a 0% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 880212.00.00, reflecting a policy of promoting the aviation industry.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 880212?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 880212, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying aircraft originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's trade agreements with certain countries may also offer preferential rates. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For other agreements, documentation like a EUR.1 movement certificate might be necessary, depending on the specific origin country and the terms of the agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for aircraft under HS code 880212?
Aircraft of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg, as classified under HS code 880212, generally benefit from preferential duty rates. For instance, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. Similarly, the EU TARIC system often lists these aircraft as duty-free under various trade agreements and general tariff schedules. The UK Trade Tariff also typically shows a 0.00% duty rate for such goods. It is crucial to verify the specific duty rate applicable to your country of import and any relevant trade agreements.
What specific criteria determine if an aircraft falls under HS code 880212?
HS code 880212 specifically covers 'Other helicopters' with an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg. The primary classification criterion is the aircraft type (helicopter) and its unladen weight. Unladen weight refers to the weight of the aircraft without crew, passengers, cargo, or fuel. Importers and customs brokers must ensure the aircraft's specifications accurately match this weight threshold to ensure correct classification and avoid potential penalties.
What documentation is typically required for importing helicopters classified under HS code 880212?
Importing aircraft under HS code 880212 requires comprehensive documentation. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the aircraft's value, a bill of lading or air waybill, an import declaration, and a certificate of origin. Crucially, a certificate of airworthiness issued by the relevant aviation authority (e.g., FAA in the US, EASA in the EU) is mandatory to demonstrate compliance with safety standards. Customs brokers should verify the specific documentation requirements with the importing country's customs authority.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 880212 if a duty were applicable, and what is an example?
While HS code 880212 often carries a 0.00% duty rate, if a specific tariff schedule or trade agreement imposed a duty, it would typically be an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the aircraft's value). For example, if an aircraft valued at $5,000,000 USD was subject to a hypothetical 2.70% ad valorem duty, the calculation would be: $5,000,000 (Value) × 0.0270 (Duty Rate) = $135,000 (Duty Amount). Importers should always confirm the applicable duty rate and valuation method with customs authorities.
Do trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for helicopters under HS code 880212?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for aircraft classified under HS code 880212. Many free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade arrangements offer duty-free or reduced-duty access for aircraft and parts. For example, imports between countries that are signatories to an FTA may qualify for preferential treatment, often resulting in a 0.00% duty rate, even if the standard MFN rate is higher (though for 880212, MFN is often already 0.00%). Importers must consult the specific terms of applicable trade agreements and provide proof of origin to claim preferential treatment.