HS 900720 Projectors
Quick Answer: Projectors imported under HS 900720 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 45% ad valorem. This HS code encompasses optical projectors, including slide projectors, overhead projectors, and digital projectors, but generally excludes television projectors (which fall under HS 8528). Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities between major trading blocs. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these specific rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance. Exporters should verify the precise classification and applicable duties in the destination country to avoid delays.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9007200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9007200010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9007200090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9007200000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 9007200010 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 9007200090 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9007202000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 900720 | — | — | — |
| 9007204000 | 4.9% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9007206040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9007208000 | 3.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["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 9007.20?
Imports of Projectors 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 900720 cover?
This subheading covers projectors designed to project images, films, or slides onto a screen or surface. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes optical instruments that enlarge and project an image from a transparent or opaque original. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further clarify that this category encompasses devices such as slide projectors, film projectors, and overhead projectors, provided they are primarily for image projection and not integrated into other apparatus like televisions.
What falls outside HS 900720?
The following products are excluded from HS 900720: devices that project light without forming a discernible image, such as laser pointers or simple flashlights, and machines that are primarily for displaying images rather than projecting them, like computer monitors or televisions. Also excluded are projectors that are integral parts of other machines, such as those found in certain medical diagnostic equipment, or simple magnifying devices that do not project an enlarged image onto a surface.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 900720?
A common error is misclassifying projectors that are part of a larger system, such as integrated home theater projectors that include sound systems or smart functionalities, which might fall under different headings based on their principal function. Another mistake involves confusing projectors with digital cameras or camcorders that can also display images but are primarily recording devices. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for goods consisting of different materials or components is crucial for correct classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 900720?
The correct procedure for classifying projectors under HS 900720 involves a thorough examination of the product's primary function and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and compare the product's features against the descriptive notes for heading 9007 and subheading 900720. Verification of whether the device's main purpose is image projection is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 900720?
A specific model of a portable LED projector, weighing 1.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $250 USD, would attract a US duty of $12.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($250 USD × 0.05 = $12.50). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 9007.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 900720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 900720, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free duty for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for eligible countries. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 900720 (Projectors)?
Import duty rates for HS code 900720, which covers 'Projectors, other than cinematographic', vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the general (MFN) duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also 3.70% ad valorem. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 3.70% ad valorem duty. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can reduce or eliminate these duties. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable trade agreements for the precise rate.
How is the import duty for HS code 900720 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 900720 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a projector is imported into the United States with a declared customs value of $500 and the MFN duty rate is 3.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $500 (Customs Value) × 0.0370 (Duty Rate) = $18.50. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, depending on the product and national tariff regulations. Always verify the basis of duty calculation with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 900720?
HS code 900720 specifically covers 'Projectors, other than cinematographic'. This means the primary classification criterion is the function of the device: its ability to project an image onto a surface. Excluded from this code are cinematographic projectors, which fall under HS code 9007.10. Devices such as digital projectors, overhead projectors, and slide projectors are typically classified here, provided they are not designed for the projection of motion pictures. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 90 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 900720?
When importing projectors under HS code 900720, standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description 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 aware of any specific product safety or compliance certifications required by the destination country, such as CE marking for the EU or FCC compliance for the US, although these are not strictly customs clearance documents but rather regulatory requirements.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU FTAs, affect the duty rates for HS code 900720?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS code 900720 if the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if a projector originating from a country that is part of a Free Trade Agreement with the importing country (e.g., a projector manufactured in Mexico and imported into the US under USMCA) meets the specific rules of origin, it may qualify for a 0% duty rate. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must typically provide a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods comply with all other provisions of the trade agreement. It is essential to consult the specific text of the relevant trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations to determine eligibility and required documentation.