HS 880260 Spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles
Quick Answer: Spacecraft, including satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles imported under HS 880260 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 4.20% ad valorem, and the US at rates including free and 27.5% ad valorem. This classification covers all components and vehicles designed for or operating in outer space, as well as those intended for launching into space. Importers and customs brokers should note that while many tariffs are duty-free, specific national regulations or trade agreements may apply. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to provide a comprehensive overview for trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802601100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8802600000 | — | — | — |
| 8802601900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8802609000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802601900 | 4.20 % | — | — |
| 8802600000 | — | — | — |
| 8802601100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8802609000 | 4.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8802609020 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 88026090 | Free | — | — |
| 880260 | — | — | — |
| 8802603000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 8802609040 | — | — | ["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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 880260 cover?
This subheading covers spacecraft, including satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This encompasses all articles designed for flight beyond the Earth's atmosphere, whether for communication, scientific research, or transportation purposes. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes both manned and unmanned vehicles intended for space travel, as well as the rockets or other propulsion systems used to launch them into orbit or beyond.
What falls outside HS 880260?
The following products are excluded from HS 880260: aircraft of heading 8801 or 8802, balloons and airships, gliders, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) designed for atmospheric flight. Components or parts of spacecraft and launch vehicles that are not themselves spacecraft or launch vehicles are also classified separately, often under headings related to their specific function or material composition. For instance, satellite dishes used for receiving signals are typically classified under heading 8529, not 880260.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 880260?
A common error is the misclassification of components or subassemblies as complete spacecraft or launch vehicles. According to General Interpretative Rule 2(a) of the Harmonized System, an incomplete or unfinished article is classified as the complete article if it has the essential character of the complete article. However, individual engines, structural elements, or electronic systems, unless they constitute the essential character of a spacecraft or launch vehicle, should be classified under their respective headings. For example, a rocket engine sold separately would not be classified under 880260.
How should importers classify products under HS 880260?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 880260 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and refer to explanatory notes from the WCO. If the product is designed for spaceflight and is either a spacecraft, satellite, or a launch vehicle, it should be classified here. Verification with customs authorities or a professional classification service is recommended for complex or novel items.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 880260?
A hypothetical "Starlink Satellite" weighing 260 kg and declared at a customs value of $500,000 USD would, under the USITC HTS, generally attract a duty rate of 0% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. Therefore, the US duty would be $0.00 (0% × $500,000). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which often provides duty-free entry for such advanced technological equipment to foster innovation and research.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 880260?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 880260, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating spacecraft and launch vehicles from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter. While specific preferential rates vary, many agreements aim to facilitate trade in high-technology sectors by eliminating tariffs on qualifying goods from partner countries.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 880260 (Spacecraft, suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles)?
The import duty rates for HS code 880260 are generally very low or free, reflecting the specialized nature and strategic importance of these goods. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% duty rate under its Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. The European Union, under the TARIC system, also typically has a 0.00% duty rate for these items. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate. However, specific preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or other trade programs could apply, potentially leading to different outcomes. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country at the time of import.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 880260 if a duty rate were applied?
Duty calculation for HS code 880260, if a non-zero rate were applicable, would typically be based on the value of the goods (ad valorem) or, less commonly for this category, by weight or unit. For instance, if a hypothetical 4.20% ad valorem duty were applied to a spacecraft valued at $10,000,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000,000 (Value) × 0.0420 (Duty Rate) = $420,000 USD. Importers and brokers must ensure the declared value is accurate and supported by commercial documentation such as invoices and bills of lading.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing spacecraft and launch vehicles under HS 880260?
Importing spacecraft and launch vehicles under HS 880260 requires comprehensive documentation beyond standard customs declarations. This often includes detailed technical specifications, manufacturing certificates, proof of origin, and potentially export licenses from the country of origin. Depending on the nature of the spacecraft (e.g., for communication, scientific research), specific import licenses or permits from relevant government agencies (e.g., telecommunications authorities, space agencies) may be mandated. Customs brokers should verify these requirements with the importing country's customs authority and any relevant sector-specific regulatory bodies.
Are there common trade agreements that grant preferential duty rates for HS code 880260?
While the baseline duty rates for HS 880260 are often 0.00%, trade agreements can still be relevant. For example, if a country has an FTA with a partner nation, and the spacecraft or launch vehicle meets the rules of origin stipulated in that agreement, it could confirm or formalize the duty-free status. This is particularly important for goods that might otherwise have a small residual duty rate in one of the countries. Importers should investigate FTAs between the exporting and importing countries, such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or agreements involving EU member states, to ensure all benefits are claimed and compliance is maintained.
What are the classification criteria to ensure a product falls under HS code 880260?
HS code 880260 covers 'Spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles'. The classification hinges on the item's primary function and design. A spacecraft is a vehicle designed to travel in outer space. Satellites are spacecraft placed into orbit. Suborbital vehicles travel into space but do not complete an orbit. Launch vehicles are rockets or other craft designed to propel a payload into space. Items that are components of spacecraft or launch vehicles, but not complete units themselves, may be classified under different headings within Chapter 88 or other chapters, depending on their specific nature and function. Consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff rulings for precise guidance.